Gezicht op glas-in-loodramen van de Église Saint-Germain d'Argentan 1850 - 1900

This photograph captures J.A.G. de Leur's view of stained glass windows within the Église Saint-Germain d'Argentan. Immediately, the eye is drawn to the photograph's verticality, emphasized by the architectural structure of the window. The composition is divided into three lancets, each filled with intricate scenes rendered in glass and lead. A semiotic reading reveals the cultural codes embedded in the religious iconography. We see figures and symbols traditionally associated with Christian narratives. However, the monochromatic palette, in shades of grey and brown, flattens the image, challenging the stained glass's intended luminosity and spiritual affect. The photograph's structure echoes the window's, yet it also creates a distance. The viewer is positioned outside, looking in, contemplating the representation of faith rather than experiencing its direct, colorful immersion. De Leur’s choice to photograph these windows not only preserves their image but also invites us to consider the interplay between art, architecture, and representation.