Interieur van de Dom van Keulen c. 1860 - 1880

This is Theodor Creifelds’ stereo photograph of the interior of the Cologne Cathedral. Produced in the 19th century, it was a time of immense social and political change, marked by industrialization and religious revivalism. The Cologne Cathedral was a potent symbol of German identity and faith. Creifelds, through the technical innovation of stereo photography, invites the viewer into this sacred space, playing with notions of perspective, space, and depth. The photograph captures the grandeur of the Gothic architecture with its soaring arches and intricate details, instilling awe. It is a testament to the power of religious institutions, but also the personal, intimate experience of faith. The rows of pews, filled with blurred figures, speak to the collective nature of worship and shared communal identity. This work captures a moment in time, but it also prompts us to reflect on the enduring power of faith and architecture to shape human experience.