Gezicht op Château d'Ahin te Hoei before 1890

Victor Gaillard created this photogravure of the Château d'Ahin near Huy in Belgium, sometime around the turn of the 20th century. This image, printed within the pages of a book, is more than just a picture; it's a carefully constructed view designed to shape our understanding of the site. Consider how the chateau is presented: not as a ruin or relic of the past, but as a still-imposing structure nestled within the landscape. This reflects a desire to connect with and preserve Belgium’s historical identity amid rapid industrialization. Railways are visible as a modern element that doesn't disrupt the romanticism, suggesting a narrative of progress that respects the past. To understand the image fully, historians might explore local archives for accounts of the chateau's inhabitants, or examine tourist guides from the period to see how sites like this were promoted. By situating the work in its time, we uncover the complex relationship between heritage, progress, and national identity.