Interieur van de Collegiale kerk Onze-Lieve-Vrouw en Domitianus van Hoei before 1890

This is a photographic print of the interior of the Collegiate Church of Our Lady and Domitian in Huy, made by Victor Gaillard, likely toward the end of the 19th century. The image is interesting in its use of visual codes to create meaning, as the church itself would have carried immense cultural and historical associations for the Belgian people of that time. The Collegiate Church, with its towering columns and intricate Gothic architecture, represents centuries of religious tradition and community identity. Images of churches such as this served a public role, reinforcing social and cultural values. Gaillard's photograph captures the architectural grandeur of the church but it also subtly critiques the institutions of art. The photograph is presented as an image within a book. Understanding this image better requires exploring the historical context of the late 19th century in Belgium. Research into the social conditions, religious practices, and political movements of the time would illuminate the deeper meaning of this artwork.