Gezicht op de binnenplaats van Hotel Merghelynck in Ieper, België before 1894

This is a black and white print by Hector Heylbroeck depicting the courtyard of Hotel Merghelynck in Ypres, Belgium. The composition is striking in its use of perspective, drawing the eye along the receding lines of the cobblestone ground and the architecture. The facade is organized with geometric precision. Rectangular windows and circular openings punctuate the building's surface and emphasize the structural regularity and balance. Note how Heylbroeck uses light and shadow to articulate depth and texture, contrasting the smooth walls with the rough texture of the courtyard. This architectural study invites a semiotic reading. The grid-like window patterns and rhythmic repetition of architectural elements convey order and rationality. But the photograph is not just a record; it's an interpretation. It offers a glimpse into the codes of representation that defined architectural photography at the time. These formal elements reflect broader concerns about capturing and understanding space.