Ely Cathedral: St. Catherine's Chapel, Southwest Transept 1891

This photograph of St. Catherine’s Chapel in Ely Cathedral was made by Frederick H. Evans, a British photographer known for his architectural studies. Evans used platinum prints to capture the intricate details and atmospheric light of Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals. Consider the social role of these grand religious structures. Ely Cathedral, like many others in England, served not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of ecclesiastical power and a focal point for community life. Evans’s photograph emphasizes the cathedral’s imposing architecture, with its soaring arches, ribbed vaults, and elaborate ornamentation. This aesthetic was consciously revived in the 19th century. To fully appreciate Evans's work, we can consult architectural histories, religious studies, and social histories of Victorian England to better understand the cultural and institutional contexts that shaped both the building and its photographic representation. By examining these sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, religion, and society.