Detail van de tombe van paus Clemens II in de dom van Bamberg c. 1900 - 1920

This photo captures an anonymous artwork of the tomb of Pope Clemens II in Bamberg Cathedral. The photo is not dated. What strikes me here is the monochrome palette. It's almost like a study in light and shadow, a dance between what's revealed and what's concealed. The artist isn't interested in tricking you with illusion, it's very upfront about its process. Look at the way the light caresses the curves of the figure. See the deep undercuts creating these dark shadows? These aren't accidental, they're deliberate choices that give the piece depth and weight, lending a sense of drama to the subject. This use of light and shadow reminds me of the work of Caravaggio, another artist who wasn't afraid to embrace the dark side. Maybe it's a stretch, but I like to think of art as an ongoing conversation across time.