Exterieur van de Santa Maria della Scala te Messina, Italië 1880 - 1900

This vintage photograph shows the exterior of the Santa Maria della Scala in Messina, Italy. It was taken by Ledru Mauro, using a process that renders the stone architecture in tones of sepia. The image is more than just a record; it speaks to the transformation of vision brought about by photography. It presents the church as a solid, imposing form – the result of quarrying, cutting, and the labor-intensive assembly of stone blocks. The roughness of the stone is made evident by the photographic process. The presence of figures, and horses, in the foreground adds a sense of scale and context, reminding us of the human effort that went into creating this monumental building. This photograph blurs the lines between documentation and artistry, capturing the essence of the church through light, shadow, and the inherent qualities of the photographic process. The image reminds us that architecture, like photography, is a material practice, shaped by human hands and social forces.