Paleis van de Prins-bisschoppen te Luik 1862 - 1894

This photograph by Joseph Kirsch Fils captures the Paleis van de Prins-bisschoppen te Luik, likely taken during the late 19th century when photography was increasingly used to document architecture and urban landscapes. It's impossible to ignore the relationship between power, representation, and the gaze when considering images like this. Built originally to represent the authority of the Prince-Bishops, this palace, through Kirsch's lens, enters the visual economy of a society grappling with questions of governance, class, and cultural identity. The photograph invites us to consider not only the architectural grandeur of the palace but also the social dynamics it embodies. Who had access to this space? Whose stories are told, and whose are silenced, within its walls? Ultimately, this photograph is a lens through which we can reflect on the evolving narratives of power, justice, and representation in society.