Exterieur van het Kasteel van Miromesnil te Tourville-sur-Arques before 1895

Henri Gadeau de Kerville created this image of the exterior of the Château de Miromesnil in Tourville-sur-Arques. The image, printed in a book, captures the architecture and grounds of the Château. The Château de Miromesnil, steeped in history, transcends the label of mere architectural marvel. The Château has aristocratic lineage and the surrounding estate became a symbol of Norman identity. Historically, estates like Miromesnil represented the deep social stratifications of feudal society. These country estates were often the economic engines of their regions, relying on the labor of the peasantry. Gadeau de Kerville, as a documentarian of Norman heritage, participates in shaping a regional identity. However, photographs of estates are not neutral, and often portray a romantic vision of rural life. The image invites reflection on what it means to preserve such spaces.