Le Panthéon, Parijs, Frankrijk c. 1885 - 1910

This photo of The Panthéon in Paris, was published by J. Kühn. Though the date of its creation is unknown, photography in this period was used to capture and disseminate images of architectural marvels. Consider the Panthéon itself – originally a church, then a secular temple, reflecting the shifting tides of French identity and political ideology. Photography became an integral tool for documenting and celebrating national identity. Examine the way photography captures the Panthéon, this isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about power, legacy, and who gets to be remembered. Buildings like the Panthéon are not neutral; they embody the values and stories a society chooses to immortalize. The emotional and personal resonance of a place like the Panthéon are inseparable from its role in shaping collective memory.