Gezicht op La Conciergerie in Parijs c. 1860 - 1880

This photograph shows La Conciergerie in Paris, though the anonymity of its maker leaves us to only imagine the circumstances of its creation. The Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison, is a site laden with historical weight, particularly its role during the French Revolution. It was here that many, including Marie Antoinette, were held before their execution. The building stands not just as architecture, but as a silent witness to the dramatic shifts in power and the often brutal pursuit of liberty. The choice to photograph this building, especially given its history, may reflect the complex relationship the French have with their past. The Conciergerie can evoke a sense of awe at the grandeur of pre-revolutionary France, but it also calls to mind the terror and violence that followed. Ultimately this photograph provides a space for reflection on the darker aspects of French history.