Woningen aan de Rue de Jerusalem te Brugge before 1889

This photograph depicts houses on the Rue de Jerusalem in Bruges, and it likely dates from the late 19th or early 20th century. The architecture reflects a style that evokes the city's medieval past. In the late 19th century, Bruges experienced a revival of interest in its historical heritage. This was partly a response to the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. As cities modernized, there was a nostalgic yearning for a romanticized version of the past, particularly the medieval era. Artists, writers, and architects sought inspiration in the art and architecture of the Middle Ages, leading to the Neo-Gothic style seen here. Photographs like these played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the city. They helped to construct an image of Bruges as a living museum, a place where the past was preserved for posterity. These images were not merely neutral records; they actively participated in the construction of a cultural identity. To understand this image better, we can consult archives, historical societies, and collections of photographs and architectural drawings. By examining these resources, we can gain insight into the cultural values and historical processes that shaped the image of Bruges as a medieval city.