Ruins of the abbey, Villers la ville before 1866

This photographic print by Cundall & Fleming captures the ruins of Villers la Ville abbey. The warm sepia tones are created through a chemical process involving light-sensitive materials applied to paper. The photograph's material presence is intriguing, as it portrays a structure defined by its absence. The abbey's skeletal remains speak to the labor-intensive craft of stonemasonry, a highly skilled tradition, now standing vacant. The image evokes a sense of time's relentless passage, highlighting the transience of human endeavor against the enduring backdrop of nature. The ruins suggest a commentary on the cyclical nature of rise and fall, not only of architectural structures but also of social and political systems. By focusing on the physical decay and inherent qualities of substance, texture, weight, color, and form, it invites reflection on the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. This perspective enriches our understanding of the artwork, transcending traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.