Zuidelijke toegangspoort van de Jardin des Tuileries te Parijs c. 1870 - 1885

This photograph captures the southern entrance of the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. Taken by Edouard Dontenville, who was born in 1846, the image reflects the grandeur of Parisian architecture during a period of significant social and political change. Dontenville’s photograph freezes a moment in time, revealing more than just the structure itself. The ornate details and imposing scale of the gateway speak to the values of the ruling class. The rigid symmetry and classical motifs suggest a desire for order and control, concepts deeply intertwined with the socio-political landscape. The photograph invites us to consider who was granted access through these gates, and who was excluded. Consider the experience of those who frequented the Jardin des Tuileries, as well as those who were not permitted entry. What stories and experiences are embedded in the stones of this gateway, and how do they echo through history?