Gezicht op het Royal Infirmary in Dundee before 1890

This is a monochrome photograph of the Royal Infirmary in Dundee, created by Valentine & Sons. At first glance, the stark contrast between light and shadow lends a dramatic quality to the imposing structure. The composition focuses on the architectural facade, emphasizing its linear and geometric qualities. Notice how the horizontal lines of the building’s stories are juxtaposed with the verticality of its towers and windows. This interplay creates a sense of tension. The image flattens the three-dimensional space, reducing the building to a series of planes and shapes. This flattening effect draws attention to the materiality of the architecture itself. The image destabilizes our conventional understanding of depth, challenging the viewer to reconsider the relationship between representation and reality. It invites us to see beyond the subject matter and to engage with the underlying visual structures.