Man voor de achterzijde van het Paleis van Justitie in Brussel, België before 1894

This photograph depicts the rear facade of the Palace of Justice in Brussels, Belgium. While the photographer remains anonymous, the image offers a glimpse into the monumental architecture and urban fabric of the time. The building's facade is constructed from stone, likely quarried and dressed through extensive labor. Each block was hewn, transported, and precisely positioned, reflecting a significant investment of human effort. The sheer scale of the Palace speaks to the ambition and resources of the society that commissioned it. The lone figure in the image, dwarfed by the architecture, underscores the relationship between the individual and the imposing structures of law and governance. This contrast invites reflection on the social and economic forces that shaped both the building and the lives of those who moved within its shadow. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to consider the relationship between labor, architecture, and the social order.