Zaal in het stadhuis van Regensburg 1886

This is Emil Herbst's photographic study of the Regensburg Town Hall, captured in the late 19th century. The image offers more than just a static depiction of architecture. Consider the historical context: As industrialization swept through Europe, architectural photography gained prominence, documenting the changing urban landscape and civic spaces. Here, Herbst turns his lens on a site of governance, power, and public assembly. The photograph's composition directs our attention not only to the physical attributes, but also to the social dynamics inherent within. The empty room and muted tonality evoke a sense of solemnity. What kinds of decisions were made here? Whose voices were amplified, and whose were silenced? The architecture and space can be read as a symbol of authority, imbued with the weight of history and tradition. It prompts us to reflect on the relationship between space, power, and the narratives they construct.