The holy supper before 1890

Here we see Carl Stockmann’s photo titled “The Holy Supper”. Images such as these were a powerful tool for the construction of identity, memory, and meaning. This staged tableau invites us to consider how religious narratives get visualized and, crucially, by whom. The figures at the table are arranged similarly to Renaissance paintings of the Last Supper, but the use of photography introduces a new layer of realism and documentation. Are these merely actors in a biblical play, or are they members of a specific community enacting their faith? The act of dressing up and posing for the camera speaks to a desire to embody and perform one's religious beliefs. This image prompts questions about the relationship between faith, representation, and community identity.