Begrafenisstoet van Henri d'Artois before 1883

This photograph titled 'Begrafenisstoet van Henri d'Artois'—or Funeral Procession of Henri d'Artois—is by A. Vallois. It features an albumen silver print adhered to a page. The high-angle shot dominates the composition, presenting a procession moving away from us through a narrow street. The buildings on either side, marked with repetitive windows and subtle architectural details, create strong vertical lines that converge toward the horizon, intensifying the sense of depth and receding perspective. The monochromatic tones emphasize the play of light and shadow, casting the figures into indistinct shapes, which adds to the solemn atmosphere. The visual structure of the image, with its calculated use of perspective and light, suggests a careful construction aimed at capturing not just an event, but the somber mood and historical weight of the occasion. Vallois uses the formal qualities of photography to create a symbolic representation of mourning, where the structure of the image mirrors the order and gravity of the event itself.