Toegangsportaal van de Collegiale Kerk Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais te Gisors c. 1875 - 1900

Médéric Mieusement captured this photograph of the entrance to the Collegiate Church of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais in Gisors, France. The image gives us an insight into the nineteenth-century French interest in architectural documentation. During this period, photography played an important role in preserving and cataloging historical buildings and monuments, influenced by growing national pride and the desire to protect cultural heritage, especially after the destruction caused by the French Revolution. Mieusement's image emphasizes the Gothic style and intricate details of the portal of the church and its sculptures. Churches were deeply embedded in social life, serving not only as religious centers but also as community hubs, where significant life events took place. By studying Mieusement's photograph within its historical context, we can gain a better understanding of the cultural values that shaped the perception of architecture in nineteenth-century France. Resources such as historical archives and architectural surveys can help in this research.