De achttiende-eeuwse Calvarieberg in de tuin naast de Sint-Pauluskerk in Antwerpen 1886 - 1910

This photograph was taken by George Hendrik Breitner, likely with a portable camera, of the Eighteenth-century Calvary in Antwerp. The Calvary is crafted from stone, its surface intricately carved to depict biblical scenes and figures. The roughhewn texture contrasts sharply with the smooth surfaces of the statues. The abundant use of stone, combined with the creeping vegetation, gives the structure a sense of ancient permanence. The making of the Calvary involved quarrying the stone, transporting it, carving, and assembling it on-site. Each figure was likely carved individually, demanding considerable skill and time. The selection of stone as a medium speaks to its symbolic weight, representing enduring faith and the solidity of religious institutions. Breitner’s choice of photography captures the Calvary’s physical presence, while also imbuing it with a sense of timelessness. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.