Gezicht op Berlijn vanuit het Berliner Stadtschloss, gezien richting de Breite Strasse 1868 - 1870

Curator: Here we have a gelatin-silver print, a photographic work produced sometime between 1868 and 1870 by Johann Friedrich Stiehm. The title translates to "View of Berlin from the Berliner Stadtschloss, looking towards Breite Strasse". It's quite evocative. Editor: It has the stark romance I expect from prints of this era. It’s sepia tone enhances that romantic yet haunting aura. The scene appears both distant and intimate simultaneously. Is there something theatric about the work as well? Curator: In its own way, yes. There's something carefully arranged in the image. We see the Berlin cityscape rendered behind two actors performing for the camera on the bottom of the photograph. One dressed as a fair maiden, the other as an unkempt soldier, and the title reading "Romeo und Julia", which translates to "Romeo and Juliet", we can imply that they're playing their part on stage. Editor: That certainly does deepen my reading. Knowing they might be 'performing' certainly puts me at unease, makes it less romantic for me. This might represent societal expectations placed on individuals and their roles in Berlin's cultural theater? Curator: That’s a potent interpretation. In the late 19th century, Berlin was undergoing tremendous industrial and social changes, witnessing the formation of the German Empire and increased cultural productions, such as operas and theaters, for its public. I suspect this ties into a narrative about social progress and order being implemented into the chaotic environment of industrializing Berlin. Editor: And they have the pose for a specific audience. I almost see a morality play enacted. Even their positioning and the use of lighting suggests specific roles. Her positioned directly towards us; meanwhile the male actor is shrouded behind her, further pushing her forward into an audience. Curator: A fine point. This arrangement presents women in a role for society, being a face that hides the complex chaos and corruption of industrial society that slowly eats away at our traditions and values. Overall, a remarkable composition. Editor: Yes, Johann Stiehm gives us so much to reflect on – the weight of assigned roles, the potential fragility of social values. I find that compelling and poignant.