Gezicht op de Latijnse School in Nijmegen before 1894

This is a photograph of the Latin School in Nijmegen, made by an anonymous photographer. This image, reproduced in a book of architectural photography, presents us with an interesting question: why take a photo of a school? Well, schools are institutions, and like museums and galleries, they play a vital role in shaping culture. This particular school, with its symmetrical facade and orderly windows, visually embodies the values of the Dutch society that built it. Its architectural style speaks to the importance of humanism and classical learning in the Netherlands. As an art historian, I find it crucial to consider the social conditions that shaped this image. We can delve into archives, study historical texts, and examine the broader cultural context to understand the values and priorities reflected in the architecture of this Latin School. Only then can we truly appreciate the meaning embedded within this seemingly simple photograph.