Restauratie van het zuidtransept in de Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek te Maastricht c. 1890 - 1915

This photograph shows the south transept of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek in Maastricht during restoration. The picture, taken by an anonymous photographer working for Monumentenzorg, the Dutch heritage agency, captures a moment of transformation. The image invites us to consider the layers of history embedded within the basilica's walls. Notice the exposed brickwork, the temporary supports, and the figure standing in the doorway. These elements speak to the ongoing process of preservation and the institutional efforts to maintain cultural heritage sites. The Netherlands has a long tradition of heritage conservation, reflecting a broader European trend. The photograph serves as a document of this practice, raising questions about how we value and engage with the past. Exploring archives, preservation policies, and local histories can offer a deeper understanding of the basilica's social and cultural significance.