Kansel in de Sint-Michielskerk in Kortrijk, België before 1896

Editor: Here we have a print from before 1896, titled "Kansel in de Sint-Michielskerk in Kortrijk, België," attributed to Joseph Casier. It looks like it's from a sketchbook, showing a detailed drawing of a pulpit. The sepia tones give it an aged, almost ethereal quality. What catches your eye when you look at it? Curator: Oh, this whispers stories, doesn’t it? It makes me think about old libraries and the quiet rustle of aged paper. For me, it’s the layering effect, the way the crisp photographic image sits within the aged paper of the sketchbook. Look closely, and it feels like you’re peering through time, like we’re given access to Casier's personal observations. Do you get a sense of intimacy from it? Editor: I do, definitely. Seeing the handwritten typeface alongside the image adds to that intimate feeling, like a personal note. It bridges the gap between the grand scale of the church and the artist's individual perspective. What do you think Casier was trying to capture beyond just the visual representation of the pulpit? Curator: I suspect Casier was less interested in meticulous documentation, and more fascinated by how light danced across the elaborate carvings. It makes you wonder about the quiet moments he spent there, capturing not just the structure, but also the ambiance. I wonder, did the weight of history feel tangible in that space? I’d like to think so. Editor: It’s fascinating how a simple image can evoke such a sense of history and personal reflection. This glimpse into Casier's sketchbook makes me appreciate the layers of time embedded in a place like that church. Curator: Absolutely. And it’s a beautiful reminder that even within grand, historical settings, there's always room for personal interpretation and quiet moments of observation. Thank you for guiding our journey through this timeless piece!