Gezicht op de fontein van Manneken Pis in Brussel 1873 - 1890

This is a stereoscopic photograph of the Manneken Pis fountain in Brussels, made by Étienne Neurdein sometime in the late 19th century. The image presents the fountain as a spectacle, but it also highlights the way public spaces are controlled and regulated. The ornate iron fence creates a barrier, separating the viewer from the statue, suggesting a tension between public access and the need to protect cultural heritage. Belgium in the late 1800s was a rapidly industrializing nation, undergoing significant social and political changes. The Manneken Pis, originally erected in the 17th century, had become an important national symbol. Neurdein’s photograph reflects the growing tourism industry and the commodification of cultural icons. Historians can consult archives, city records, and contemporary accounts to understand the changing significance of the Manneken Pis and the social dynamics of public spaces during this period. The meaning of art is always contingent on these contexts.