Gezicht op de stad en het kasteel Stolberg 1868 - 1890

Here, we observe a photograph of Stolberg and its castle by Hermann Selle. It presents an intriguing study in composition, using sepia tones to establish a dialogue between light and shadow. The architectural forms, structured in a way that echoes the landscape’s own contours, invite us to explore how space is organized and perceived. The buildings are arranged to lead the eye upwards towards the castle, which dominates the upper portion of the image. This arrangement creates a hierarchy, not only visually, but also in terms of the power structures inherent in the landscape. The way Selle frames the town beneath the castle suggests a commentary on social strata and the observer’s position within it. Ultimately, this photograph is an exercise in spatial politics, where the formal structure and framing devices underscore themes of dominion and spectatorship. Selle's composition provides a tableau that can be understood and re-understood through the shifting lenses of historical and contemporary readings.