Portaal aan de zuidzijde van de Sint-Martinusbasiliek in Halle, België before 1887

This photograph captures the south portal of the Sint-Martinusbasiliek in Halle, Belgium, sometime in the early 20th century. Its anonymous maker has documented an entry-way adorned with Gothic carvings. The image offers insight into the religious and social values of the time. The intricate stonework, pointed arches, and sculptures reflect the medieval devotion to craftsmanship and the prominence of the Catholic Church. The portal itself would have served as a threshold, marking the transition from the secular world to the sacred space of the basilica. Its visual vocabulary is drawn from the traditions of the 14th and 15th century. It can be situated within a long institutional history, where artistic practices have been closely tied to the Church. Historians can explore parish records, architectural plans, and religious texts to better understand the cultural significance of this portal and its place within the community of Halle. By investigating the relationship between art, religion, and society, we uncover the intricate web of meaning embedded within this image.