Toren van de Sint-Pertrusbasiliek te Oirschot 1890 - 1920

This photograph, taken by an anonymous photographer working for Monumentenzorg, depicts the tower of the Sint-Petrusbasiliek in Oirschot. The strength of this image lies not just in its subject, but also in the way it reveals the social and material conditions of its making. The Basilica itself would have been constructed using techniques and methods, such as bricklaying and masonry, each carrying a rich history of craft traditions and labor practices. The photograph captures this heritage, reminding us of the physical labor and skill involved in constructing such an impressive structure. But look closer: the photograph itself has a material presence. The tones and textures of the photograph are imbued with the sense of history and place of this building. Through the act of capturing this grand architectural structure, it invites us to reflect on the dialogue between architecture, photography, and the enduring human impulse to document and preserve our cultural heritage.