Lot n° 49
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: 110EUR
Léon Herlant (1873-1968) - 1 autochrome on Lumière plate, 8. - Lot 49
Léon Herlant (1873-1968) - 1 autochrome on Lumière plate, 8.5 x 10 cm. Autochrome Close-up view of the roofs of Brussels, circa 1910 - A record of Old Brussels before Bruxellisation This close-up view of the roofs of Brussels, taken circa 1910, captures the timeless beauty of Old Brussels, a moment in the city's architectural history before its radical transformation by Bruxellisation in the 20th century. The red-brick roofs of buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries stand proud, with their characteristic chimneys and windows, providing a striking contrast to the modern urbanization to come.
The red bricks, worn by time but still vibrant with warmth, underline the historical richness of Brussels architecture, while the undulating lines of the slate roofs, sometimes steep, add dynamism to this urban scene. This landscape is bathed in soft light that gently illuminates the facades of these old buildings, revealing the shades of gray, ochre and red of the traditional materials.
The chimneys that rise from the roofs bear witness to the daily life that reigned in these districts before they were razed to make way for more modern structures. On the horizon, the silhouette of more contemporary buildings begins to take shape, already heralding the evolution of the urban landscape. Narrow windows add details characteristic of pre-war Brussels, while the absence of wide avenues and imposing buildings leaves the impression of an intimate, pedestrianized neighborhood.
This photographic record of old Brussels offers us a window into a bygone past, a precious glimpse of the city before it underwent the radical changes of the years that followed, including the demolition of historic buildings to make way for 20th-century modern architecture.
The charm of Brussels' old quarters, with their red-brick roofs and special atmosphere, gradually disappeared over time, but this photograph, thanks to the autochrome technique, preserves this precious image for future generations, before Bruxellisation wipes out this heritage once and for all.
Léon Herlant (1873-1968), a man who was both a scientist and an artist. A doctor of medicine and pharmacology, professor and chairman of the Faculty of Medicine at the Université Libre de Bruxelles from 1930 onwards, Herlant was the perfect example of the spirit of his time: curious, methodical and sensitive to the beauty of the world.
In addition to his scientific work - including a book co-written with G. Billen in 1896, Micrographie des poudres officinales - Léon Herlant was a passionate Autochrome photographer. His photographs reveal an intimate view of nature and everyday objects.
His works include superb snow-covered landscapes, tormented studies of trees, and still lifes of great finesse, where colors burst forth in delicate light.
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