Koor en de pastorie van de Sint-Sebalduskerk, Neurenberg 1868 - 1888

This is Johann Friedrich Stiehm's stereograph of the choir and rectory of the St. Sebaldus Church in Nuremberg. Made in the latter half of the 19th century, this photograph captures more than just a building; it encapsulates the cultural and religious identity of Nuremberg. The choice of subject matter speaks volumes. Churches, especially prominent ones like St. Sebaldus, were not only places of worship, but also symbols of power, community, and historical continuity. Stiehm presents us with a stoic depiction of German heritage. The architecture is not just stone and mortar; it's a narrative etched in time. The stereoscopic format itself, popular in the 19th century, invites an immersive, almost tactile experience. This was a time of significant social and religious change. Stiehm’s photograph invites us to consider the relationship between the church's enduring presence and the shifting dynamics of faith, community, and cultural identity.