Zuidportaal van de Dom van Keulen 1867 - 1871

Editor: Here we have Johann Friedrich Stiehm’s photograph, "Zuidportaal van de Dom van Keulen," taken sometime between 1867 and 1871. The architecture looms large and is intricately captured with incredible detail. It gives a strong sense of German pride, somehow... What story do you think this image is telling? Curator: That's a fascinating initial impression. Considering the period, the completion of Cologne Cathedral became deeply entwined with the narrative of a unified Germany, especially after the Franco-Prussian War. Photographs like this served a powerful public role, didn’t they? They circulated widely, visually reinforcing the grandeur of the nation and the power of its cultural symbols. Notice the emphasis on meticulous architectural detail – do you think this photographic style played a role in shaping public perception of national identity? Editor: Absolutely! It’s like the image is actively constructing this idea of a glorious, unified German identity through its depiction of this immense cathedral. Do you see any elements in its composition, though, that subtly question this overt display of nationalistic fervor? Curator: That's a great question! Look at how the photograph presents the Cathedral. It is cropped, so we can see that the architectural achievement is somewhat staged by the angle of the picture itself. How do you see this working toward a social commentary in art? Editor: So it becomes a study of propaganda. Looking at this again, I see how the almost hyper-realistic style amplifies that sense of national pride but simultaneously raises questions about the very construction of such feelings. Thank you, I will see photography of buildings very differently now!