Gezicht op de Congreskolom te Brussel before 1860

Joseph Maes made this photographic print of the Congreskolom in Brussels sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's a modest object, made from paper and photosensitive chemicals. But don't let the size fool you. The photographic process allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, which in turn fed a growing culture of tourism and commemoration. As photography became more common, monuments like the Congreskolom could reach a wider audience, reinforcing national identity and collective memory. This wasn't just about art; it was about shaping a shared sense of belonging. Consider the labor involved: from the harvesting of raw materials for paper and chemicals, to the skilled work of the photographer, to the distribution networks that brought the image to its viewers. All of these factors play a crucial role in understanding its social and cultural significance.