Exterieur van het Schepenhuis en de Lakenhal te Antwerpen before 1894

Editor: This print, taken before 1894 by Th. Lantin, showcases the exterior of the Schepenhuis and Lakenhal in Antwerp. It feels almost staged, doesn't it? So pristine and presented. How do you interpret this kind of 'constructed' view of a historical site? Curator: It’s fascinating how photographs from this era, like this one, walk a line between documentation and deliberate construction. Think about the context: it was displayed at the Exposition Universelle d'Anvers in 1894. The choice to present these buildings – the Schepenhuis and Lakenhal, symbols of civic power and economic might – in such an orderly, almost idealized manner tells us something about how the city wanted to project itself on a world stage. What story do you think Antwerp was trying to tell? Editor: Perhaps one of stability and historical importance, maybe? It feels like a curated narrative, intended to emphasize tradition. Does this focus on specific architecture potentially erase or overshadow other aspects of Antwerp's urban fabric or social realities at the time? Curator: Precisely. These grand buildings become stand-ins for the entire city, overshadowing the more mundane or challenging aspects of urban life. Also, consider the act of photographing itself. The choice of framing, the angle, the time of day—all these decisions contribute to a particular representation, a constructed image of the city for public consumption. Is this representation different from what the artist might produce by, for example, painting the building? Editor: Yes, certainly. Photography feels more “real” even when it isn’t. It’s a fascinating way to look at how cities have crafted their image over time. Curator: Absolutely, and understanding the political and social forces behind these images allows us to critically examine the narratives they perpetuate. A valuable lens through which to understand art! Editor: This has shifted how I view historical architectural photography; thanks!