Gezicht op de Sint Walburgiskerk te Zutphen 1888 - 1897

This photograph of the Sint Walburgiskerk in Zutphen was made by Joh. Evers, who lived from 1858 to 1906. Photography, though seemingly immediate, involves a complex labor and material chain. From the mining of silver used in the emulsion, to the manufacture of the paper and the lens, each element speaks to the industrial processes transforming the late 19th century. The sepia tone, achieved through chemical development, further emphasizes the photograph’s material nature. Evers' choice to depict the church, a towering symbol of religious and civic power, connects this modern medium to established hierarchies. The photograph flattens the monumental architecture, democratizing access to its image, and thus, its symbolic value. Consider the contrast: the church itself, built by generations of skilled artisans, versus the photograph, produced through relatively quick and mechanical means. This image prompts us to think about how new technologies reshape our understanding of labor, artistry, and the built environment.