Preekstoel in de Oude Sint-Victorkerk in Batenburg before 1908

This is Benjamin Charlé’s photograph of the Preekstoel in de Oude Sint-Victorkerk in Batenburg, and it's like stepping back in time, isn’t it? The monochrome palette casts the scene in a sepia-toned dream, inviting us to consider the echoes of history embedded within the still image. Charlé’s composition is quite striking. He frames the architecture with a delicate touch. Look at how the light glances off the surfaces, revealing the textures and subtle shifts in tone, and consider the level of detail. The composition highlights the grandeur of the church, with the pulpit as a focal point, a stage for oration and reflection. Think of Agnes Martin’s austere grids, and how they can evoke spiritual contemplation. Like Martin, Charlé's approach is an invitation to quiet contemplation, a reminder of the enduring power of art to speak across time and cultures. The image is a conversation, a dialogue between Charlé, the church, and us.