Gezicht op de Kathedraal van Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedele in Brussel 1873 - 1890

This stereoscopic image presents a view of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, created by an anonymous photographer. Looking at this image, it is impossible not to consider the social role that the church played in the lives of people. The image highlights the power structures inherent in religious institutions and their impact on the socio-cultural fabric of society. Constructed over centuries, this sacred space also played a role in shaping the identity and social landscape of Brussels. The decision to capture the cathedral from an elevated vantage point may reflect the photographer's intention to underscore its dominance over the urban environment, symbolically representing the church's influence over the lives of the faithful and their connection to the divine. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined relationship between faith, power, and identity, inviting reflection on the evolving role of religious institutions in society.