Ely c. 19th century

Editor: This print, "Ely" by John Byrne, captures a tranquil waterside scene. I’m struck by the contrast between the everyday life near the river and the imposing cathedral in the background. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This is a study in power dynamics. The cathedral, a symbol of established religious and political authority, looms over the quotidian activities of the townspeople. How does Byrne use spatial relationships to comment on social hierarchies? Editor: That's interesting, I didn't consider the spatial relationships in that way. It definitely provides a new perspective. Curator: It speaks to the enduring tension between the sacred and the secular, and how these forces shape our lived experiences. Food for thought.