Exterieur van de Sint Gregorius te Messina, Italië 1880 - 1900

This is Ledru Mauro’s photograph of the exterior of Sint Gregorius in Messina, Italy. It’s a compelling visual document, given that the church was tragically destroyed in the 1908 Messina earthquake. Churches, historically, have long stood as emblems of power and faith. Yet, the story of their creation is also one of labor, resources, and the complex dynamics of class. In the social hierarchy of its time, the construction and patronage of churches often reflected and reinforced the power of the elite, while the labor was provided by the working class. Here, Mauro's lens offers an opportunity to think about how architectural marvels are born from collective effort, and how they function as both spiritual spaces and symbols of societal structure. The emotional weight of this image is now enhanced by the knowledge of the church's destruction, transforming it into a poignant reminder of time’s passage.