Feestzaal in het stadhuis te Nancy before 1896

This photograph captures the Feestzaal in the stadhuis te Nancy, though the artist remains anonymous, it offers us a glimpse into a space steeped in social and historical meaning. Reflecting on the rigid class structures of its time, the image presents an architectural style designed to reinforce social hierarchies. The photograph allows us to consider the performance of power and privilege enacted within this space. The opulence and grandeur of the hall serve as a backdrop, emphasizing the importance of exclusive gatherings. What kind of social exchanges, what negotiations of power, took place here? Reflecting on the identities of those who frequented this space, it is likely that access was largely determined by social class, and gender. The photograph invites us to reflect on the stories, often unheard, of those who were excluded. The artwork provides a window into the past, prompting us to question the narratives that are typically told, and to explore the untold stories that lie within its frame.