Portaal bij het zuidelijke transept van de Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ter-Zavelkerk te Brussel before 1889

This image documents the stone portal at the southern transept of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ter-Zavelkerk in Brussels, its makers currently unknown. Constructed from heavy blocks of limestone, a material chosen for its relative softness when quarried, allowing intricate carving, and its subsequent hardening upon exposure to air. The portal showcases the stonemason's craft, requiring a deep understanding of the material's properties and the application of precise techniques. Each stone was carefully shaped and fitted, a process that demanded both physical labor and artistic skill. The elaborate ornamentation, including the pointed arches and decorative tracery, is deeply rooted in the Gothic tradition. The construction of such a monumental structure involved a large workforce, from quarrymen extracting the stone to the skilled artisans carving the details. This project reflects the social structures and economic systems of the time. Understanding the labor and expertise that went into this portal enriches our appreciation, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.