Portaal van de Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Benoît, Perrecy-les-Forges 1870 - 1890

Médéric Mieusement created this albumen print of the portal of the Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Benoît in Perrecy-les-Forges, France, sometime in the late 19th century. Mieusement's photograph captures a significant piece of Romanesque architecture, a style prevalent in medieval Europe and characterized by rounded arches and massive structures. The Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Benoît, like many religious buildings of the era, served not only as a place of worship but also as a focal point for community life. The photograph’s visual codes, such as the detailed carvings above the doorway, reflect the religious beliefs and social hierarchies of the time. The solid stone construction speaks to the church’s role as a stable, enduring institution in a world often marked by uncertainty and change. To truly understand this image, we can turn to historical archives, architectural studies, and religious texts. By exploring these resources, we can gain insight into the complex interplay between art, society, and institutional power.