Ghent_ View of the city hall c. 1865

This albumen print, "Ghent, View of the city hall," was created in the 1850s or early 60s by the French photographic firm, Bisson Frères. This image offers us a glimpse into 19th-century urban life, shaped by the industrial revolution, colonialism, and burgeoning national identities. The Ghent City Hall stands as a testament to civic power, its gothic architecture reflecting a romanticized view of the past that often glossed over the complexities of social class and inequality. Consider the photographer’s position in capturing this imposing edifice, possibly reflecting or reinforcing existing power dynamics within the city. Think about how photography itself, as a relatively new medium, contributed to constructing and disseminating particular images of cities and their inhabitants. This photograph isn’t just a neutral depiction; it's a carefully constructed representation of a place, a moment, and perhaps even an ideology.