EARLY GAZE.UNSEEN PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE 19TH CENTURY

Early Gaze provides a fascinating insight
into the origins and development of
photography in nineteenth-century
Belgium. At the time, the technology was
the wonder of the age. Presenting neverbefore-
published material, the book
uncovers hidden stories and perspectives
while also revealing a rich array of
subjects. It also demonstrates how the
ruling class harnessed photography as
a potent instrument of identity and
control. From intimate portraits to
medical experiments, from art photography
to the first mugshots, Early Gaze
brings together hundreds of unique
images to illuminate how the pioneers of
the era sought to capture their world with
the camera.
With numerous unique photos by François
Braga, Joseph Pelizzaro, Guillaume Claine,
Joseph-Ernest Buschmann, Edmond
Fierlants, and others.
Published on the occasion of the eponymous
exhibition at FOMU – Fotomuseum
Antwerp from 24 October 2025 to
1 March 2026.