Interieur de l'Eglise de la Nativité 1870s

Editor: This striking vintage albumen print, "Interieur de l'Eglise de la Nativit\u00e9" taken in the 1870s by F\u00e9lix Bonfils, captures an interior view of the Church of the Nativity. The sepia tones lend it an air of timelessness, and almost create a blurring effect, making the space seem to ripple with secrets and echoes. What do you make of it? Curator: For me, it’s a bit like stepping back into time. I love that albumen prints are like these ghostly, beautiful time capsules. You know, the Church of the Nativity itself is one of the oldest standing churches in the world, built atop the site believed to be Jesus' birthplace. So Bonfils wasn’t just capturing architecture; he was capturing centuries of devotion, literally layering history. Does that sense of the sacred space come across to you as well? Editor: Absolutely, the ornamentation speaks to this, especially the dangling lamps. Were they really hanging there in Bonfils' time, or were such elements added later on? Curator: Those lamps almost certainly would have been present. It’s a characteristic of many Eastern Christian churches. The light, often oil lamps, are a symbol of Christ. Can you see, too, how the photographer staged this to emphasize depth? Look at the deliberate use of light and shadow to create a focal point, directing our eyes towards the heart of the sanctuary. Editor: It's a really interesting staging of the space. It definitely draws your eye to different levels of ornamentation. I noticed, the absence of people makes the building feel eternal, but it might also reflect the political and religious climate of that era. Curator: A powerful insight. By omitting the figures, the space becomes, paradoxically, a stage for the imagination. But the fact that the photographer captured this sacred interior offers a look at history. Editor: Well, it makes me appreciate both Bonfils' work, and the historical significance of the space he captured. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure! I learned as well, a new perspective makes every photograph just a bit richer.