Gezicht op de Tour des Bouchers te Ribeauvillé before 1894

Charles Bernhoeft created this photographic print of the Tour des Bouchers in Ribeauvillé, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, capturing a moment in the town’s visual and social history. The Tour des Bouchers, or Butchers' Tower, would have been a landmark in Ribeauvillé, France. This image reflects a period when photography was increasingly used to document places and cultures. Bernhoeft, active in Luxembourg and the surrounding regions, played a role in shaping the visual identity of these areas for both locals and tourists. The choice to focus on a functional structure like the Butchers' Tower, rather than a grand monument, suggests an interest in the everyday life of the town. Consider the social and economic context. The architecture, the clothing of the people, and the layout of the town, all point to a specific time and place with its unique customs and social structures. By looking at historical records, maps, and other photographs, one can piece together a more complete understanding of Ribeauvillé. This image serves as a reminder that art is intertwined with the social conditions of its making.