Gezicht op de toren van de Sint-Michiels-en-Sint-Goedelekathedraal in Brussel 1866 - 1870

This stereoscopic photograph of the tower of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels was created by Jules Hippolyte Quéval in the mid-19th century. Quéval, a Belgian photographer, captured this architectural marvel during a time of significant social and political change. This image is a product of its time; consider the rise of photography as a means of documentation and the evolving notions of national identity in Belgium. The Cathedral, with its towering presence, symbolizes not only religious faith but also the aspirations and values of a burgeoning nation. Look at the way Quéval frames the shot, emphasizing the cathedral's grandeur against the backdrop of urban life. This juxtaposition invites us to consider the intersection of sacred spaces and secular society. How might the people of Brussels, then and now, see themselves in relation to this imposing structure? Quéval’s work offers a glimpse into a moment where the traditional and the modern converge, shaping the cultural landscape. It is an architectural marvel that reflects a society grappling with its identity and place in the world.