Detail van de Adamspforte in de dom van Bamberg c. 1900 - 1920

This photograph captures a detail of the Adamspforte in the Bamberg Cathedral. Although the photograph itself is a relatively recent object, the stone carving dates back centuries. The image shows the head of a king, complete with beard, mustache, and crown. You can imagine the sculptor carefully selecting stone from the quarry, understanding its grain, and envisioning the final form within the raw material. With hammer and chisel, the artist painstakingly removed excess material, revealing the regal figure. The rough-hewn texture of the stone, still visible in the photograph, is a testament to the labor-intensive process of carving. The creation of the sculpture involved the coordinated labor of stonecutters, masons, and sculptors, each contributing their skills to realize the architect's vision. This photograph reminds us that appreciating art means acknowledging the social dynamics of its production, and the human effort embedded in every detail.