Belle-Alliance-Platz, gezien richting de Friedrichstraße, Berlijn 1880

This albumen print shows the Belle-Alliance-Platz in Berlin, captured by Johann Friedrich Stiehm around 1880. The sepia tones evoke a sense of the past, softened by the focus, it allows the composition to dominate the image. The Victory Column punctuates the center, acting as a visual anchor, while the buildings frame the square, creating a balanced yet rigid structure. The arrangement encourages the eye to survey the scene methodically. The print's formal qualities reflect the era's emphasis on order and progress, encapsulating Berlin's burgeoning identity through architectural and civic planning. Stiehm uses perspective to convey the city's evolving urban landscape, yet the subdued palette keeps any sense of dramatic change in check. This is not merely a photograph, but a carefully constructed representation of Berlin’s self-image. The balance of the composition tells a story of a society aware of its place in history.