Sarcofaag in de Catacomben van Lviv before 1905

Editor: This haunting print, "Sarcofaag in de Catacomben van Lviv" ("Sarcophagus in the Catacombs of Lviv"), created before 1905 by Fr. von Reisinger, immediately strikes me with its almost dreamlike, eerie quality. The subject is resting on some sort of base, but something about it makes me feel like this space between wakefulness and death is more like a photograph. How do you interpret this work? Curator: That’s a lovely, evocative read! It reminds me of holding my breath as a kid while pretending I could become invisible, fading slowly into a wall’s tapestry. I see more than just a literal sarcophagus in this work; the textures, the lighting, everything gives a sense of unveiling secrets – not necessarily morbid, but intimate and…transcendent, almost? It asks us, ‘what whispers exist just beyond the veil of everyday perception? What textures exist within the catacombs?' Does this perspective resonate with you? Editor: Absolutely. It is less about death, but instead the preservation of memory, history… the idea that there is always more beneath the surface. I had not even considered how this picture exists on two pages as well, which emphasizes a hidden place beyond immediate comprehension! Curator: Exactly! It is a kind of “deep-seeing,” beyond simple observation. Maybe Reisinger was also exploring how photography itself unearths unseen truths and gives permanence to the most ethereal of glimpses into an experience. Editor: I can see how Reisinger would engage that subject matter. I am taking notes for later. Thank you for this deep dive into the catacombs! Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully this gave you a reason to wander deeper the next time you're holding your breath!