Shadows of Ghent: Pedestrian Convergence on Graslei

This black and white photograph captures a timeless moment, with pedestrians and their shadows converging as they stroll towards each other, casting long silhouettes on a cobblestone pavement. The photograph was taken on Ghent's Graslei from the top floor of the Port House (Havenhuis) on a Sunday afternoon in mid-September.
For those interested, here's a bit of background on the Port House: The Graslei and Korenlei, nestled on the banks of the River Lys in the heart of the city, once thrived as Ghent's bustling inland port. In 1530, the Guild of the Free Ship's Captains acquired this Brabantine Gothic masterpiece on the Graslei. The Free Ship's Captains, known as 'de Vrije Schippers,' were independent contractors who enjoyed unrestricted access to Ghent's inland waterways, setting them apart from their counterparts, the 'Onvrije Schippers,' who were employed by others and had to load their goods onto the ships of the Free Captains at the city's outskirts., making this a very lucrative activity for the Free Ship’s Captains.
The Guild of the Free Ship's Captains retained ownership of the building until the latter half of the 17th century when financial difficulties compelled them to sell it. By that time, the guild's influence was on the decline. Subsequently, the building changed hands several times and underwent various transformations while preserving its fundamental structure. Today, it stands as one of the oldest and most meticulously preserved structures in Ghent's historic port – Graslei, Ghent, Belgium.