Gezicht op de voorgevel van het stadhuis van Leiden before 1894

This photograph shows the facade of Leiden’s City Hall, rendered in tones of grey. The composition emphasizes a symmetrical balance, drawing the eye upward through layers of architectural detail, from the ground level to the elaborate roofline. The texture of the stonework, captured in sharp detail, creates a tactile sense of the building's materiality. The photograph’s formalism invites a structuralist reading, where each architectural element serves as a sign within a larger symbolic system of civic power. The symmetry and verticality of the facade suggest stability and authority, while the intricate ornamentation speaks to the city’s cultural and economic capital. The photograph, by extension, functions as a cultural artifact, reflecting how the city chose to represent itself visually. Ultimately, the photograph captures the essence of Leiden's civic identity through its formal presentation of architectural signs and cultural values. Its meaning continues to evolve, reflecting ongoing dialogues about history, representation, and cultural heritage.