Westportaal van de abdijkerk van Saint-Gilles-du-Gard 1863 - 1865

This photograph depicts the west portal of the abbey church of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard. Although the photographer is unknown, the print itself, a salted paper print, was a popular method for reproducing architectural details in the mid-19th century. The appeal of this photographic method was that it allowed for the mass production of images, making architectural marvels accessible to a wider audience. But let’s not forget the labor involved; each print required careful preparation of paper with silver nitrate and meticulous exposure. Here, the rough texture of the weathered stone is beautifully rendered. Note the intricate carvings of figures and foliage, and the way the light catches the surface. The photograph’s material qualities give the sculpture a tangible presence. Consider this image not just as a record, but as a testament to the intertwined histories of photography, architecture, labor, and art. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between the fine arts and other forms of creative production.