Interieur van het Justitiepaleis van Brussel before 1898

F.C. Clarkson captured this interior view of the Palace of Justice in Brussels with a keen eye for architectural grandeur. The image itself invites reflection on the relationship between power, justice, and representation during a time when Europe was solidifying its colonial presence and national identities. The Palace of Justice was conceived during a time of immense social and political upheaval. The building was meant to symbolize the triumph of law and order. Yet, its monumental scale and neoclassical design also suggest a certain kind of authority that could be viewed critically. The composition emphasizes the grand staircase flanked by classical statues. This evokes the power and authority associated with legal institutions. What feelings arise as you gaze at this architectural space? Does it evoke feelings of reverence, exclusion, or something in between? Clarkson’s depiction of the Palace of Justice encapsulates the complex ways in which architecture can be used to reinforce societal structures, invite critique, and shape personal experiences.