Gemeentehuis van Anderlecht 1879 - 1908

This photograph titled ‘Gemeentehuis van Anderlecht’ was created by Joseph Maes. Maes captures the Anderlecht town hall during a period of significant social and political change in Belgium. The late 19th century was marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to shifts in class structures and the rise of social movements. Here we see the imposing architecture of the town hall symbolizing the power and authority of the state. But let’s consider who has access to this space, and who is excluded. The grand staircase and formal entrance suggest a space reserved for a certain class, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. In this context, the photograph serves not just as a record, but as a reflection on how spaces embody and reinforce social and political dynamics.