Toegangsportaal van een woning aan Graben 12 te Wenen before 1894

This photograph by an unknown artist depicts the entrance to a dwelling on Graben 12 in Vienna. The Graben, meaning "ditch", is one of the most famous streets in Vienna's first district, Innere Stadt. It was originally a trench located next to the Roman city walls. This anonymous photograph comes from a time of rapid urban transformation in Vienna, a period when the city was expanding and redefining itself. The photograph captures the architectural details of the building's entrance, highlighting its elaborate design and craftsmanship. The choice to document this particular architectural element suggests an interest in preserving and celebrating Vienna's built heritage. It may also reflect the growing awareness of the importance of urban planning and historic preservation in a rapidly changing city. As art historians, we rely on archives, historical societies, and other records to contextualize works like these. This helps us to understand the meaning and function of art in its original time and place.