Fotoreproductie van een ontwerp van de begrafenisstoet van koning Léopold I van België bij aankomst bij de kerk in Laken before 1866

Ghémar Frères captured this photographic reproduction of King Léopold I of Belgium’s funeral procession as it arrived at the church in Laken. While the date of the image is unknown, the event itself highlights the spectacle and performance surrounding the monarchy during the 19th century. Léopold I, the first King of the Belgians, played a pivotal role in establishing Belgium as an independent kingdom. His death marked a significant moment in Belgian history, prompting elaborate displays of national mourning. The funeral procession, meticulously documented here, underscores the power and solemnity associated with royalty. Consider how gender, class, and national identity are intertwined in this image. The black and white photography lends a gravity to the scene. The orderly procession, the somber expressions, and the architectural backdrop all serve to reinforce a particular narrative of royal dignity. This image invites us to consider the emotional weight of monarchical legacy.