Koorbank in de abdij van Saint-Denis te Parijs c. 1875 - 1900

Médéric Mieusement made this photograph of the choir stalls in the Abbey of Saint-Denis in Paris. Photography itself is a process, and here Mieusement has skillfully captured the texture and form of the carved wooden choir. The photograph is not just a record, but an interpretation. Notice how the light catches the intricate details, emphasizing the depth of the carving and the weight of the wood. These stalls were made to seat the monks and clergy during services. The carving, clearly done by hand, shows remarkable skill, but also represents countless hours of labor. Consider the social context: this level of craft was supported by the wealth of the church, and the labor of the artisans. Looking at this image, we can understand the relationship between material, making, and context, and how they combine to create meaning. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to consider the value of skilled work.