Gezicht op een kerk te Aalst 1904

This photograph of a church in Aalst, was made by an anonymous photographer from Monumentenzorg, an organization dedicated to preserving monuments. The photographic process itself, in its early days, was a blend of science and craft. The photographer would have needed to understand the chemistry of light-sensitive materials, as well as the mechanics of the camera. These early photographs, like this one, required long exposure times, and considerable skill in developing the image. In terms of social context, photography in the early to mid-20th century was becoming more accessible, yet still required a level of expertise. Monumentenzorg's use of photography suggests a growing awareness of the need to document and preserve cultural heritage. The choice of photography as a medium speaks to its ability to capture detail and provide a visual record, democratizing the images of important monuments. Thinking about the relationship between art, craft, and documentation, this photograph blurs the lines, reminding us that the act of making, whether with a camera or a chisel, is always embedded in a social and cultural context.