IJsselpoort bij IJsselstein 1734 - 1785

Jan Stolker made this print of the IJsselpoort at IJsselstein sometime during his lifetime, between 1724 and 1785. Stolker lived during a period of relative peace and economic stability in the Netherlands, which fostered a flourishing of the arts and sciences. In this etching, Stolker depicts the IJsselpoort, or IJssel gate, which was a historical landmark in the town of IJsselstein. What might seem at first to be just a simple architectural study, becomes a window into the social fabric of the time. Consider the figures on the bridge, rendered with a delicate touch. They offer a glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary people against the backdrop of the gate's imposing structure. Stolker's choice to depict this particular subject reflects a broader interest in local identity and pride during the Dutch Golden Age. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between built environments, personal experience, and collective memory.