Balustrade van graniet in de Sint-Walburgakerk in Veurne, België before 1887

This photograph captures a granite balustrade, part of the Saint Walburga Church in Veurne, Belgium. The architectural detail, rendered in grayscale, commands attention through its intricate design and solid materiality. The balustrade is divided into rectangular panels, each featuring complex carvings— swirling, organic motifs contrasted against the sharp, geometric lines of the stone. These carvings introduce a play of light and shadow, accentuating the depth and texture of the granite. The composition balances symmetry with variation; while the panels align structurally, the designs within offer unique aesthetic experiences. This architectural element destabilizes the boundary between function and artistry. The balustrade serves its purpose as a barrier, yet its ornate design transforms it into a medium of visual expression. It exists not merely as a structural component, but as a carefully considered piece of art, embodying cultural and philosophical values within its form.