St. Pierre, Caen 1856

This atmospheric photograph of St. Pierre in Caen was captured by Alfred Capel Cure around 1855, using the then-new process of photography. The process involved coating a glass plate with light-sensitive chemicals, exposing it in a large format camera, and then developing it to create a negative. This negative was then used to print the image onto photographic paper, resulting in the sepia-toned print we see here. The final image is a direct result of the alchemy of light, chemistry and time. Photography in the mid-19th century was a laborious, slow process, requiring extensive knowledge, equipment, and facilities. While mass production of images would soon become commonplace, early photographs like this one retain a unique aura, documenting both a specific place and moment and a specific process. The photograph's social significance lies in its role in documenting and disseminating images of architecture and urban spaces, influencing perceptions and shaping cultural narratives. It is a reminder that the way we represent the world is always mediated by the materials and methods we use.