Exterieur van het Palais Jacques-Cœur in Bourges 1903 - 1907

This albumen print captures the exterior of the Palais Jacques-Cœur in Bourges. The photographer, Delizy, presents us with a detailed view of this fifteenth-century architectural marvel. The image allows us to consider the cultural and social implications of preserving and representing historical landmarks. Bourges, in central France, with its rich history and architectural heritage, became a subject of interest during a period of intense national identity formation. Photography, a relatively new medium at the time, played a crucial role in documenting and celebrating such sites, contributing to a sense of national pride. The Palais Jacques-Cœur itself symbolizes the aspirations of a rising merchant class challenging the traditional social hierarchy. Delizy's photograph, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, also serves as a historical document, reflecting the institutional practices of collecting and preserving cultural artifacts. To fully appreciate this work, scholars might consult architectural histories, social studies of nineteenth-century France, and museum archives.