Exterieur van het schip van de Notre-Dame te Parijs c. 1875 - 1900

This photograph of the Notre-Dame in Paris was captured by J. Kuhn. Here, the façade is presented through its architectural elements: the rhythmic repetition of pointed arches and vertical piers. Kuhn directs our attention to structure, emphasizing how the cathedral's design employs geometry to divide space and support weight. The sepia tones evoke a sense of antiquity, aligning the photograph with historical preservation efforts that were gaining momentum in the 19th century. The photograph does not only record, but also interprets the cathedral as a study in form and light, an intersection of faith and engineering. Notice how Kuhn's formal approach invites a focus on the cathedral's surface—its texture and pattern. He suggests how the material qualities of stone and glass become aesthetic carriers of meaning, engaging with historical and architectural discourse.