Gezicht op de achterzijde van het Paleis van Justitie in Brussel, België, gezien vanaf de Wynantsstraat before 1894

This anonymous drawing depicts the rear facade of the Palace of Justice in Brussels, offering a view from Wynantsstraat. The artwork’s strength lies in its rigorous linear structure and monochromatic palette, establishing a powerful sense of architectural mass and depth. Notice how the artist meticulously renders each window, column, and cornice, creating a complex interplay of light and shadow. This detailed articulation invites a reading of the building not just as a physical structure but as a symbol of power and order. The rigid geometry and symmetry evoke classical ideals, yet the absence of color and human figures imparts a sense of stark detachment. The drawing can be seen as a commentary on institutional power, using architectural form to express ideas about justice and authority. The image’s formal qualities invite viewers to reflect on how architecture shapes perceptions of law and governance. By emphasizing structure and form, the artist opens a dialogue about the semiotics of space and the ways in which buildings communicate meaning.