Portaal van de Kathedraal van Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedele in Brussel 1873 - 1890

Curator: Looking at this print, one is immediately struck by the formidable presence of the edifice it depicts. Its somber tones evoke a past steeped in tradition and power. Editor: Indeed. We're examining a photograph titled "Portaal van de Kathedraal van Sint-Michiel en Sint-Goedele in Brussel," taken between 1873 and 1890 by an anonymous photographer. This photojournalistic rendering offers a glimpse into the architectural grandeur of Brussels. Curator: The symmetry is so exact; the multiple levels give a very strong impression of the eternal hierarchy. From a symbolic perspective, it’s as if the very structure mirrors a perceived cosmic order. The ascent implied by the stairs leading to the entrance also signifies, I imagine, something like spiritual ascension to believers in Brussels. Editor: Absolutely. Beyond the formal Gothic revival style, it also functions as a representation of societal structures and religious authority within 19th-century Brussels. We might ask, what communities or peoples felt welcome ascending these stairs, and what other narratives may be associated with the place in different cultural and socio-economic contexts? Curator: It's remarkable how the photographer uses light and shadow to accentuate the cathedral's imposing scale. The shadows might stand in for elements beyond official stories. Considering Belgium’s colonial history, perhaps, those who did the empire's dirty work in other countries would not be as welcomed on the church’s steps? Editor: An excellent point. Further research might uncover forgotten voices. Overall, viewing such an architectural print allows one to contemplate the ongoing relationship between identity, space, and the cultural legacies etched into stone. Curator: Agreed. Its lasting visual effect provides much insight into how buildings affect how citizens conceive their positions relative to established societal norms.