Groot altaar in de Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Dadizele, België before 1896

This photograph by Joseph Casier captures the grand altar in the Basilica of Our Lady of Dadizele in Belgium. The image, with its sepia tones, presents a scene dominated by vertical lines and hierarchical space, structured by the altar’s ascent. The altar, reached by a series of steps, is framed by pointed arches and ornate details, typical of Gothic Revival architecture. This aesthetic evokes a sense of awe and spiritual elevation. The photograph's composition directs our gaze upward, reinforcing the church's intended message of divine connection. Casier's photograph serves not only as documentation but also as an interpretation of architectural space. Through his lens, we contemplate the relationship between faith, architecture, and representation, questioning how each element shapes our understanding of the sacred.