Exterieur van de Kathedraal van Aix-en-Provence 1862 - 1876

Editor: So, this is "Exterieur van de Kathedraal van Aix-en-Provence" – a stereoscopic photograph taken between 1862 and 1876 by Jean Andrieu. The sepia tones give it this incredible sense of antiquity, almost like stepping back in time. It really evokes a solemn, awe-inspiring feeling. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, this image hums with a quiet strength. It's a bit like a visual poem about time, isn't it? The cathedral, standing there in Aix, not just as stone and mortar but as a witness to centuries unfolding. And this photographer, Jean Andrieu, he's capturing more than just the façade; he's hinting at the layers of history beneath the surface. I imagine people milling around that very spot, their lives echoing against those ancient walls. It's easy to forget photography's a bit like alchemy here; he's holding history in his hands, and by extension, giving it to us. What resonates with you the most? Is it the architecture or something else? Editor: Definitely the architecture, particularly the way the light plays on all the ornate details of the cathedral. You’re right; it really does feel like more than just a photograph. It's like a portal. Curator: A portal, yes! And notice the stereoscopic format – that’s deliberate! It’s not just a flat image, it aims to create depth, to pull you in. As if inviting you into the Aix-en-Provence of the past. Art’s funny, isn’t it? It has this incredible ability to collapse time, make ghosts tangible, and leave us pondering our place within it all. I always feel changed after I examine images like this, maybe it's the quiet reverence, the echoes whispering possibilities. What will you carry with you? Editor: I’ll definitely think differently about the stories buildings can tell, and how photography can capture those untold narratives. Thanks for sharing your insights!