Gezicht op Ieper before 1900

This photogravure of Ypres, Belgium, was made by Jean Malvaux, and published in the French magazine, L'objectif, in March 1898. The image presents a quiet street scene, complete with stepped-gable houses and the tower of the Cloth Hall looming in the background. Malvaux's photograph isn't just a record of a place; it's a product deeply embedded in the social and institutional context of its time. Photography in the late 19th century was rapidly evolving, becoming more accessible and widespread. Magazines like L'objectif played a key role in shaping photographic culture. The magazine included technical information about the images, also running photographic competitions. The image of Ypres evokes a sense of civic pride, and, perhaps, a hint of nostalgia for a traditional urban environment. Understanding this image requires historical awareness. We need to explore the world of late 19th-century photography, the rise of illustrated magazines, and the social values they promoted.