Exterieur van de voormalige drukkerij van Johannes Gutenberg te Mainz before 1872

This is a vintage photograph by B. Erdmann, capturing the exterior of Johannes Gutenberg's former printing shop in Mainz. The photograph's composition is structured around a central arched gateway, creating a powerful focal point that invites the eye inward. Erdmann uses light and shadow to define the architectural forms, emphasizing the geometry of the building. The monochromatic palette enhances the textural details of the stone and brickwork, lending the image a sense of gravity. The strategic placement of signage adds layers of meaning. The words "Bierbrauerei Gutenberg" above the arch suggest a transformation of space and purpose, a shift from the dissemination of knowledge to the production of beer. This juxtaposition invites reflection on how cultural spaces evolve and how symbols become recontextualized over time. The photograph, therefore, functions as a semiotic marker, prompting us to consider the historical layers embedded within the urban landscape.