Voorgevel van het Maison François I te Parijs c. 1875 - 1900

J. Kuhn’s photograph captures the facade of the Maison François I in Paris, presenting us with a moment frozen in time. The photograph gives us insights into 19th century attitudes towards history, preservation, and the rise of heritage as a social project. The Maison François I, built in the early 16th century, embodies the French Renaissance style, a period of cultural rebirth and artistic innovation. Kuhn's choice to document this architectural gem speaks to the growing interest in preserving historical landmarks during the 19th century, when photography emerged as a powerful tool for documentation and dissemination. The image creates meaning through its stark representation of architectural details. By studying photographs like this, we can learn not only about historical architecture but also about the evolving role of photography in shaping our understanding of the past. The historian employs sources like municipal archives, newspapers, and architectural plans. We examine the building’s significance within both its contemporary context and its later life as a heritage site.