Gezicht op een laan in het Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid c. 1888 - 1898

Hauser y Menet captured this black and white photograph, titled "Gezicht op een laan in het Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid", or "View of a lane in the Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid." Consider the social and historical context of the Parque del Buen Retiro. Originally designed for the Spanish monarchy, it was opened to the public in the 19th century, reflecting changing power dynamics and societal values. This photograph provides us with a glimpse into the spatial politics of the time. Statues line the walkway. Who were they meant to represent and who were they meant to exclude? What does it mean to display them? The image offers a meditation on who has access to public spaces, and how these spaces reflect and shape our understanding of society. There's a quiet stillness that invites us to reflect on our place within the grand narrative of history.