Durham Cathedral 1912

This photograph of Durham Cathedral by Frederick H. Evans is full of light and shadow. It feels like a drawing, or maybe even a painting. I imagine Evans moving around the space, carefully looking for the best point of view. Thinking about the light, the angles, and the shadows that would give the photograph its depth. It looks like he has chosen to focus on the contrast between the massive stone columns and the intricate details of the altar, drawing the eye to the back of the composition. The sepia tones give it a sense of timelessness, as if it could have been taken at any moment in the cathedral’s long history. Evans' other photographs explore similar themes of light, space, and architectural detail. Like other photographers and painters, he's trying to capture something more than just a literal representation, hinting at feelings or thoughts that are difficult to put into words. This photo is an invitation to reflect on the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and how artists help us see it in new ways.