Maquette van het Paleis van Justitie in Brussel, België before 1893

This photograph by Römmler & Jonas captures a scale model of the Palace of Justice in Brussels. The monochromatic tones and the angle highlight the building’s complex structure, emphasizing its imposing size and intricate details. The photograph presents a play of light and shadow across the model's surface, creating a sense of depth and texture. The architectural model itself is a study in verticality. It rises in tiers, with each level marked by rows of columns and ornate decorations, culminating in a prominent dome. This upward movement suggests aspirations of justice and authority, visually encoding power dynamics through architectural form. The very act of constructing such a detailed model points to the desire to control and represent the concept of justice through material means. The photograph makes a statement about how architecture can be used as a form of communication, embedding ideology within physical structures. It encourages us to reflect on the relationship between space, power, and the values that society seeks to uphold.