Transept van de Collegiale Onze-Lieve-Vrouw en Domitianus van Hoei before 1881

This anonymous photograph shows the transept of the Collegiale Onze-Lieve-Vrouw en Domitianus in Hoei. It depicts the architecture of the church, likely taken in the late 19th or early 20th century. This image presents the architecture of the church as a reflection of its cultural and religious significance. Medieval churches used architectural forms to project power. Constructed during the medieval period, this church would have been a focal point for religious practice and social cohesion. The photograph itself reflects the growing interest in documenting historical sites and cultural heritage. In the nineteenth century the rise of photography and of art history as a discipline meant that architectural monuments became objects of scholarly study. To understand the artwork better, one could look to archives containing historical records, architectural plans, and local histories of Hoei. These could provide insights into the church's construction, its role in the community, and the social conditions of its time.