Gezicht op drie villa's aan de Belmont Avenue te Belvidere before 1892

This photograph shows three villas along Belmont Avenue in Belvidere. It's not known who took this photograph, or when. These homes evoke a sense of aspiration, representing the dreams and achievements of their inhabitants. The grand architecture embodies wealth, and invites us to consider the historical context of class and privilege. Who were the people who lived here, and what kind of lives did they lead? How did their positions of power shape the community around them? These buildings also serve as a reminder of the labor and resources required to construct and maintain such properties. What kind of work did the people in these homes do, and how did it enable them to afford such luxury? What perspectives are missing from this photograph? What does it mean to focus on the architecture rather than the people? In reflecting on these questions, we can begin to understand the complex relationship between wealth, labor, and representation.