Gezicht op de noordwestelijke hoek van de façade van Hotel Merghelynck in Ieper, België before 1894

This photographic print by Hector Heylbroeck captures the north-western façade of Hotel Merghelynck in Ieper, Belgium. Photography, as a medium, hinges on the manipulation of light and chemistry. Here, the tones range from bright whites to deep blacks, creating a sense of depth and texture that define the architectural surfaces. The photograph is a study of light, shadow, and the stark geometry of this urban building. Consider the labor inherent in the architectural subject matter. Every brick laid, every window pane installed, represents hours of skilled work. The hotel itself is a product of material extraction, transportation, and construction. Heylbroeck’s photograph not only presents a visual record, but also indirectly references the industrial and economic activities of the time. By considering the photograph alongside its subject, we can appreciate the intricate connection between materials, labor, and representation. It challenges us to view the photograph not just as an image, but as a testament to the material processes and social realities that define our built environment.