Eglise du Pater – Church of the Pater

Accession Number
1994/2.30.7

Title
Eglise du Pater – Church of the Pater

Artist(s)
Felix Bonfils

Artist Nationality
French (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1867-1885

Medium & Support
albumen print on paper

Dimensions
10 15/16 in x 14 in (27.78 cm x 35.56 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Margaret and Howard Bond

Subject matter
In this photograph, the porch and façade of the Church of the Pater (Noster) appear drenched in sunlight. Even the swaths of grass and gravel in the foreground look an unnatural shade of white. Small windows pierce the mostly unadorned stone walls of the church, while a dome with a cross is perched directly above the front door. The dark outline of a human figure is visible; facial and sartorial details are difficult, if not impossible, to discern. This image is one of hundreds of photographs made throughout Bonfils's career which purport to document various landscapes, cityscapes, and people of the eastern Mediterranean.

Physical Description
A pale stone building with a centrally placed dome dominates the composition of the photograph. A human figure stands out against the light-colored facade. 

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
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Keywords
churches (buildings)
cultural landscapes
domes (architectural elements)
historic structures
travel photography
trees

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted