Fotoreproducties van prenten naar fresco's met voorstellingen van Jozua die de zon en maan stil laat staan en Jozua bij Eleazar door Rafaël voor de loggia's in het Vaticaan before 1861

These are photographic reproductions of prints after frescoes by Raphael, made by Gustav Schauer in the 19th century. These images offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural values of the time, reflecting both the reverence for Renaissance masters like Raphael and the 19th-century obsession with documentation and reproduction. In the 1800’s, images of biblical scenes served not only religious purposes but also reinforced social and moral codes. Looking closely, we might consider how the depiction of power and authority in these scenes – Joshua commanding the sun and moon, and his interaction with Eleazar – mirrors or challenges the hierarchies of 19th-century society. Were these images meant to inspire faith, instill obedience, or perhaps, subtly question the status quo? Ultimately, these photographic reproductions invite us to contemplate the enduring power of images. They act as intermediaries between different eras and mediums, each with its own cultural lens. They provide a tangible link to the past, prompting us to consider how we interpret and reinterpret history through art.