York Minster: "In Sure and Certain Hope"

Currently not on view

York Minster: "In Sure and Certain Hope"

1902

Frederick H. Evans (British, 1853–1943)

In an essay accompanying this image in a 1903 volume of the journal Camera Work, Evans described his struggle to find deeper meaning in the photograph: "This subject fascinated but troubled me. I at once saw the making of a picture in it; the great somber door that might open and lead-anywhere; the fortunately placed recumbent figure with the pathos of uplifted folded hands; the lofty window above; all these were fine and right; but to make the whole cohere, speak, escaped me. But one day I saw what it must mean-to me at least. As I was studying it the sun burst across it, flooding it with radiance. There is my picture, thought I; 'Hope' awaiting, an expectancy with a certitude of answer; and the title seemed defensible, if a little ambitious."

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

York Minster: "In Sure and Certain Hope"

Date:

1902

Artist:

Frederick H. Evans (British, 1853–1943)

Medium:

Platinum print

Dimensions:

Image and sheet: 10 9/16 × 8 1/8 inches (26.8 × 20.6 cm) Mount: 16 7/16 × 11 3/4 inches (41.8 × 29.9 cm)

Classification:

Photographs

Credit Line:

Purchased with funds contributed by Dorothy Norman and with the Director's Discretionary Fund, 1968

Accession Number:

1968-220-29

Geography:

Photograph taken in York Minster, York, England, Europe

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Currently not on view