1902

York Minster: "In Sure and Certain Hope"

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."