Koorhek van de Kathedraal van Ely c. 1850 - 1880

Curator: Let’s take a moment to consider this arresting view of gothic architecture, specifically Alexander Wilson's photograph dating from between 1850 and 1880 titled "Choir Screen of Ely Cathedral." The medium here is gelatin silver print. Editor: My first impression? An elaborate theatrical backdrop. Or maybe a petrified forest—so many spiky, vertical elements, a frozen garden in stone. Does it feel overwhelming to you? Curator: Not at all. For me, the verticality speaks of aspiration, reaching for something beyond the earthly. Gothic architecture often uses these vertical lines to inspire reverence. Look at the repeating motifs, arches, and spires; it creates a rhythm that's both visually stimulating and spiritually uplifting. What might seem like over-decoration serves a symbolic purpose, a representation of the divine in material form. Editor: I suppose the repetition, while initially feeling chaotic, could be seen as a mantra of sorts. It invites contemplation. What’s most intriguing is the muted palette given the photographic process. The monochrome rendering actually intensifies the shadows, giving it a rather haunted aspect, wouldn't you agree? Almost melancholic. Curator: Yes, the early photographic techniques definitely lend a particular mood. And think about it: architecture acts as cultural memory; we imbue these stone structures with centuries of our history, beliefs, and societal values. Here, the gelatin silver print itself speaks to our shifting technological values. Editor: Absolutely! I find it compelling how architecture and photography intersect in a temporal dance. One, frozen in a moment in time; the other, the enduring testament to centuries of devotion. It does inspire awe and wonder when you stop to contemplate it. Curator: Precisely! This is far more than just a depiction of stone, then, it’s a poignant exploration of our faith in a transcendent ideal. Editor: It’s a little glimpse of heaven on earth then—or at least, somebody's idea of heaven. Thanks for pointing that out!