Early Gaze - by Tamara Berghmans & Ingrid Leonard Paperback

Book Synopsis

This book explores Belgium's early embrace of photography after its 1839 invention, highlighting its role as a hub for innovation, supported by geography, industry, and a wealthy middle class. With numerous nostalgic photographs. Text in English and Dutch.

A fascinating journey through the development of 19th century photography

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 never-before-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.

Text in English and Dutch.

About the Author

Tamara Berghmans is an art historian with a specialization in photography, particularly in photohistorical research. Her academic focus encompasses a range of topics, including photobooks, art photography, subjective photography, and pictorialism. She has a strong interest in Belgian modern art photography, with a particular emphasis on the works of Ed van der Elsken and Sanne Sannes. Ingrid Leonard is a researcher and assistant curator at FOMU - Fotomuseum in Antwerp.