Standbeeld van Rudolf von Erlach te Bern 1880 - 1900

Curator: Looking at this gelatin silver print from between 1880 and 1900, by Giorgio Sommer, we see a photographic record of the statue of Rudolf von Erlach in Bern. Editor: It has such a stark, imposing quality, doesn’t it? That bronze equestrian figure dominating the composition really conveys a sense of civic pride and power. Curator: Indeed. The statue itself serves as a cultural touchstone, invoking Erlach, a celebrated Bernese commander renowned for his strategic victory at the Battle of Laupen. To the Bernese, the statue became a symbol of their history and steadfastness. Note the surrounding cityscape - how does the choice of location in Bern contribute to its meaning? Editor: I’m struck by how Sommer uses this gelatin silver print to democratize access. A bronze statue is an expensive symbol reserved for the elite, whereas a photograph, especially with the rise of mass production, made art and history accessible to a wider public. The bears that form part of the ensemble become something repeatable. Curator: That's an insightful perspective on materiality and distribution! Beyond sheer documentation, Sommer subtly shapes our perception. Photography gains cultural authority in capturing Erlach and disseminating his values – look at how the arrangement of Erlach and the bears in this scene amplifies the protective and grounded aspects of Bern. The repetition certainly suggests continuity, rootedness in that physical place. Editor: But the photo itself transforms, becomes its own historical object. Someone meticulously composed this image, arranged it in the darkroom. We need to remember the photographer's labor that underpins our engagement with the heroic statue. Curator: Very true. The image is an artifact layering levels of interpretation: Sommer's perspective, the sculptor’s intent for von Erlach, and then, Bern's aspirations for continuity and resilience all get captured here in this historical and photographical instant. Editor: A layered piece, definitely something to reflect upon further when you return to your routine. Curator: Yes, food for thought as we move forward in time and space.