Kruisgang in de Dom van Maagdenburg 1869 - 1872

Editor: This gelatin-silver print from somewhere between 1869 and 1872, by Johann Friedrich Stiehm, is titled *Kruisgang in de Dom van Maagdenburg*, or "Cloister in the Magdeburg Cathedral." The arches, captured in monochromatic tones, recede into a somewhat blurry distance. What's fascinating is that sense of architectural permanence despite the hazy atmosphere. How do you interpret its symbolism? Curator: I’m drawn to the interplay between the arches and the light. These arches aren’t merely structural; they’re representative of gateways, transitions, and the embrace of the divine. This kind of imagery can harken back to medieval ideals of monastic life: order, devotion, reflection in physical spaces, and their mirroring in inner spiritual journeying. It's no coincidence this echoes long-held archetypes, psychological pathways perhaps? Editor: Pathways... I like that, since this is a cloister, a covered walk, originally built for monks. Do you think the hazy quality is intentional? Curator: It very well could be. The lack of clarity softens the hard edges of the stone. That softness invites a particular feeling: longing. The hazy light creates an otherworldly feel. The space itself can evoke the notion of collective cultural memory and of human hope for transcendental truth. Even the stereo format can add to a symbolic sense of doubled vision! Editor: So, even through the lens of photography, the medieval era continues to shape how we understand architecture and the search for spiritual meaning. That's pretty interesting. Curator: Absolutely. It reminds us that images, even those capturing seemingly objective realities, can profoundly shape cultural memory. What might seem at first to be a simple architectural photo becomes a powerful encapsulation of historical and psychological currents.