Escalier du Roi in het Kasteel van Fontainebleau c. 1875 - 1900

This photograph, “Escalier du Roi in het Kasteel van Fontainebleau,” made by the artist JD, captures the opulent interior of the Château de Fontainebleau. The image offers a glimpse into the lives of the French royalty. This space was built to impress and reinforce the monarchy's power. The architecture and design of the Château are rich with symbolism that emphasize the king's authority and divine right to rule. Consider the emotional distance created by such grandeur, reflecting a society sharply divided by class. The photograph, in its own way, democratizes this space, allowing a wider audience to view the interior. It makes me consider how photography, as a medium, can both document history and challenge the exclusivity of spaces like this.