Schoorsteenmantel in het stadhuis van Mons, België before 1887

Curator: Looking at this photographic print entitled "Schoorsteenmantel in het stadhuis van Mons, België," dating from before 1887, I’m immediately struck by how imposing it feels. The monochrome adds a certain gravitas to the already formidable structure. Editor: Indeed, the starkness lends itself to the subject matter: this is not just a chimney breast but a seat of civic pride and power. This shot shows it standing proudly within Mons's town hall, and it communicates authority, perhaps even in the pre-industrial symbolism of domestic control and warmth. Curator: Yes! I love the gothic details captured, the intricate balustrade, and the almost severe lines. It exudes a sense of old-world craftsmanship. Imagine the stories those stones could tell if they could speak. It gives me goosebumps, a shiver of being connected to something truly timeless. Editor: And it's important to note, while we gaze upon this 'timeless' piece, whose time are we really connecting with? Municipal halls such as the one it is housed in historically exclude or limit women, non-landowners, and often non-white populations from political decision-making and civic identity. While the artistic expression of this chimney breast speaks to incredible artisanal skill, it speaks even more powerfully to that building’s cultural function. Curator: Oh, without a doubt. It's a complicated feeling, admiration tinged with a recognition of power dynamics. I like the way the photographer captures the texture, the stone seems alive somehow. Editor: The use of photography as a means of architectural documentation, even back then, raises questions about accessibility and historical narratives. This chimney breast becomes a symbol— frozen in time through a lens. Curator: Agreed. There's beauty and history interlaced, isn't there? I guess that's why it keeps us captivated after all this time. A reminder of what we inherit and, I think, what we choose to preserve. Editor: Precisely. A visual reminder that what is constructed – both architecturally and politically – deserves interrogation and awareness. A striking photograph nonetheless, one that inspires reflection about history and societal narratives.