Zijdeur aan de westzijde van het Paleis van Justitie in Brussel, België before 1894

This anonymous print depicts a side entrance to the Palace of Justice in Brussels, Belgium. The image presents a monumental Neoclassical building, evoking associations with Roman temples. Completed in 1883, the Palace of Justice was controversial from its inception. To make space for the enormous structure, the Marolles neighborhood was demolished, displacing working-class residents. This act of urban renewal was seen by many as an example of social injustice, echoing in the building's function as a court of law. The grandeur of the building, with its imposing columns and symmetrical design, seems to proclaim the authority and permanence of the Belgian state. Yet, the destruction of the Marolles suggests a more complex relationship between the state and its citizens. Understanding the print requires knowledge of the specific history of Brussels in the 19th century. Through archival research, scholars have uncovered the details of the Marolles demolition and the political debates surrounding the Palace of Justice. This research reveals how architecture can both reflect and reinforce social inequalities.