Zes opnames van versierde consoles onder ramen en balkons van het stadhuis te Nancy before 1896

This monochrome print presents six studies of ornamented consoles from the city hall in Nancy. The anonymous photographer captures the intricate stonework with a sharp, documentary eye, emphasizing texture and form. Each console, framed within its architectural setting, presents a unique sculptural face peering out at the viewer. Notice how the composition leverages repetition and variation. The consistent framing allows for a comparative study of each sculpture's distinct character, drawing attention to the play of light and shadow that animates each face. The high contrast enhances the tactile quality of the stone, revealing the marks of the sculptor's chisel. This systematic approach aligns with structuralist methods, inviting us to decode the visual language of architectural ornamentation. What meanings might these grotesque masks have conveyed to the citizens of Nancy? Perhaps they served as symbolic guardians, warding off malevolence while asserting civic pride through their intricate, almost theatrical designs. The artwork invites us to consider the symbolic power embedded within architectural forms and their role in shaping social identity.