Fotoreproductie van een ontwerp van de ontvangst van Léopold II van België voor de Kathedraal van Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedele in Brussel before 1866

This photogravure by Ghémar Frères captures Léopold II of Belgium’s ceremonial reception at the Cathedral of Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedele in Brussels. The image, rendered in sepia tones, is structured by the imposing gothic architecture on the left, balanced by a dense crowd filling the foreground. The cathedral's intricate facade, with its pointed arches and detailed carvings, contrasts with the mass of indistinguishable figures, creating a visual tension between the individual and the institution. The photograph operates as a signifier of power and public spectacle. The cathedral, a traditional symbol of religious authority, and the throng of onlookers, serve to legitimize Léopold II's reign. This staged event, meticulously captured, underscores how photography can be employed to construct and disseminate narratives of authority. Notice how the sepia tone lends the photograph an air of timelessness, emphasizing the enduring nature of power and tradition. The image is not just a record but a constructed representation, inviting ongoing interpretation of its cultural and political context.