Bezoek aan de Pieterskerk te Leiden 1930 - 1931

These photographs by Berti Hoppe capture moments within and without the Pieterskerk in Leiden, frozen in gelatin silver prints. I can imagine Hoppe carefully framing each shot, considering the play of light and shadow within the vast, arched spaces of the church. What might Hoppe have been thinking, feeling, as they composed these images? Did they linger in the quiet corners, drawn to the solitude and echoes of history? Or were they captivated by the architectural grandeur, the soaring columns and intricate details? It’s as though Hoppe wanted to show the viewer the bones of the building, the stark reality of its construction. It's interesting that Hoppe included a view from outside in this album. Perhaps this image is meant to show the relation between the outside world and the sacred interior. Photography, much like painting, is a conversation across time, with artists like Hoppe engaging in an exchange of ideas. Both embrace the ambiguity of light, shadow, and form, inviting multiple interpretations.