Preekstoel in de Oude Sint-Victorkerk in Batenburg before 1908

This photograph of a pulpit in the Oude Sint-Victorkerk in Batenburg was taken by Benjamin Charlé sometime between the mid-19th and early 20th century. It’s an unassuming sepia image, and the artist has captured every detail of the pulpit; it is a fine balance between architectural precision and atmospheric feeling. I can imagine Charlé considering the tone, balance, and overall composition before pressing the shutter. Maybe he was thinking about the purpose of this pulpit, the countless sermons delivered from it, the weight of tradition and faith it represented? The soft light enhances the texture of the wood, the play of light and shadow adding depth and complexity. You can see the attention to detail, from the intricate carvings to the placement of the furniture, offering a glimpse into the life and times of those who inhabited this space. I admire Charlé for capturing this everyday object with such care and attention. I like to think about how artists see things we don't, making us think, and feel and see in new ways.