[Cloisters of the Church of Saint John of the Kings, Toledo, Spain] 1856 - 1860

Charles Clifford captured the Cloisters of the Church of Saint John of the Kings in Toledo, Spain, with a waxed paper negative, sometime between 1850 and 1863. Clifford, a Welshman operating in Spain, documented the country's architectural and cultural heritage during a period of significant transformation. This photograph provides a glimpse into the visual culture that shaped perceptions of Spanish identity. The Church, built in the Isabelline Gothic style, served as a symbol of royal power, yet Clifford also included a man sitting in the foreground, perhaps a caretaker? The photograph straddles the line between objective documentation and romanticized vision. While it meticulously records architectural detail, the stark lighting and somber tones evoke a sense of melancholy and timelessness. Clifford was aware of his position as an outsider looking in. His photographs are infused with a respect for Spanish history and culture, while also reflecting the sensibilities of a European audience. Ultimately, this image encourages us to reflect on how identity, history, and representation intersect in the visual arts. It reminds us that photographs are never neutral records, but always shaped by the perspectives and intentions of the photographer.