Reliëf op het oksaal van de Kathedraal van Limoges c. 1875 - 1900

Adolphe Giraudon made this photograph of a relief on the rood screen of Limoges Cathedral in France, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The image captures a moment in the history of religious art and architecture, especially in France, which saw extensive restoration projects during this time. These projects were often tied to nationalistic sentiments, seeking to reclaim a glorious past, even if it meant reimagining it. Here, we have a photographic record of stone carving, showing us cherubs alongside fruit and foliage. Giraudon's photograph invites us to consider the role of the church, and the place of religious art in shaping cultural identity. Did these restorations reflect a genuine continuity with the past, or did they project contemporary ideals and social norms onto it? By examining the archives and the historical context, we can begin to understand the complex relationship between art, religion, and society in France, and how institutions like the church have shaped the cultural landscape.