Het oude raadhuis, Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Duitsland before 1904

This monochrome photograph by Photographische Gesellschaft shows the old town hall in Freiburg, Germany. The image reflects a time when photography was becoming a powerful tool for documenting and shaping perceptions of urban spaces. Made in 1910, the photograph captures the architecture of the building with its painted facade, evoking a sense of historical continuity and civic pride. Freiburg, situated in Baden-Württemberg, has a rich history influenced by its location and political affiliations. The architecture reflects the city's identity as a hub of cultural and political exchange. The image, disseminated by Photographische Gesellschaft, played a role in promoting tourism and cultural heritage. Photographic societies like this one helped shape the way cities were perceived and remembered. As historians, by examining archives, publications, and institutional records, we can begin to understand the layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly straightforward photograph.