Gezicht op de Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal in Doornik, België before 1880

This is an anonymous photograph of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, or Cathedral of Our Lady, in Tournai, Belgium. This image invites us to consider how religious architecture intertwines with social and cultural life. Built over centuries, the cathedral represents a layering of historical periods and artistic styles. As a religious structure, it provided a space for communal worship and reinforced social cohesion. Yet, it was also a site of power, reflecting the authority of the church and its influence on daily life. The very stones of this building speak of social hierarchy and communal effort. Understanding this photograph requires that we do some digging into historical records, architectural plans, and religious documents that can shed light on the beliefs, rituals, and power structures that shaped both the building and the society that built it. By examining these sources, we can begin to understand the complex relationship between art, society, and the institutions that govern our lives.