Exterieur van het gebouw op Boulevard Central 12 te Brussel 1875

This photograph by Alexandre de Blochouse captures the exterior of a building on Boulevard Central 12 in Brussels, sometime around 1875. The sepia tones lend a certain gravitas. Note how de Blochouse structures the composition with a strong emphasis on vertical lines, which elongate the building and draw the eye upwards. This is counterbalanced by horizontal divisions marking each story, creating a grid-like pattern that speaks to the order and rationality of urban planning. The building's facade is rich with detail, from the ornate window frames to the subtle variations in surface texture. The semiotic play here is fascinating; the building, as a signifier, embodies the values of the bourgeoisie—stability, prosperity, and an aspiration to culture. This photograph not only documents a physical structure but also communicates broader social and cultural narratives of its time. The stark clarity and geometric precision invite us to consider how urban spaces are constructed not just in brick and mortar but also as complex systems of signs and social meanings.