Kloostergang in de Koninklijke Abdij van Las Huelgas nabij Burgos 1856 - 1863

Juan Laurent captured this albumen silver print of the cloister at Las Huelgas near Burgos. The photograph emphasizes the architectural structure through a play of light and shadow. Note how the rhythmic repetition of arches and columns recedes into the distance, creating a sense of depth. Laurent expertly uses light to define the forms, highlighting the texture of the stone and the intricate carvings on the capitals. This creates a contrast between the solid, weighty structure and the ethereal quality of light. The structure, in its representation, almost seems to dematerialize, breaking down our perception of what is solid and what is void. The photograph challenges our perception of space and form through its composition and use of light. It invites us to consider how photography, as a medium, can engage with and transform our understanding of architectural space.