Gezicht op de Vleeshal in Haarlem before 1894

Curator: Before us we have a photogravure titled "Gezicht op de Vleeshal in Haarlem," translating to "View of the Vleeshal in Haarlem," which predates 1894. It's currently part of the Rijksmuseum's collection. Editor: It's like a wedding cake of architecture! I'm struck by the almost severe symmetry and the way the light plays off the facade—it gives it this intense, almost theatrical presence. What's a Vleeshal, though? Curator: It’s a meat market. These halls were incredibly important in Dutch cities, serving as centers of commerce and civic pride. The architecture of the Vleeshal, with its stepped gables and ornate carvings, projected the wealth and status of the city. Editor: Ah, so it’s not just about meat, it's about *representing* the meat! The grandeur almost feels ironic considering the, well, potentially grisly nature of its purpose. The print itself… It's got this ghostly quality. Do you think that was intentional, to lend some historical gravitas? Curator: The photogravure process itself adds a layer of distance, which definitely impacts our interpretation. Photography in this period was also being used to document and classify the built environment and I imagine it would have also been displayed or circulated for educational or marketing purposes. The perspective emphasizes its civic prominence. Editor: Definitely get that sense of preservation from this! Makes me think about how much of city life played out in these public spaces versus today where, at least where I live, everything's sort of tucked away and compartmentalized. Curator: Absolutely. Public markets helped to reinforce social connections and shared identity. Images such as this served to record the present, celebrate architectural marvels, and help create an enduring sense of community. Editor: That's lovely. It certainly worked on me! Makes you appreciate how photographs like these are really documents of lives and values, and not just bricks and mortar. Curator: Precisely. I think this image reveals that architecture holds the history of communal enterprise. Editor: For me, it is a good reminder of the value of experiencing a physical space in real life, and of the enduring value of architectural expression.