Interieur van de Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedelekathedraal te Brussel 1834 - 1862

Henri Borremans created this print of the interior of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels sometime in the 19th century. Think about the role of the church during this period. It was not just a place of worship, but also a symbol of social order and power, deeply entangled with politics and daily life. Borremans’s print offers a glimpse into this world. We see figures scattered throughout the cathedral. Who are these people? How do they relate to the church, and to each other? Consider the historical context of this cathedral, its towering presence designed to inspire awe and reverence. Yet here, the human figures seem almost dwarfed by the architecture. Borremans invites us to reflect on the church’s role in shaping individual and collective identities. This print captures a moment in time. It offers us a window into the social dynamics and the personal experiences of those who moved within its walls.