Belvédère in Nijmegen, met de architect en amateur-archeoloog J.J. Weve op het eerste balkon c. 1885 - 1890

Wilhelm Ivens created this photograph of the Belvédère in Nijmegen, featuring the architect J.J. Weve, sometime in the late 19th century. The Belvédère, a prominent landmark, offers panoramic views. But this image also speaks to the burgeoning culture of civic pride and the role of public spaces in shaping social identity during this period. Ivens's photograph captures not just a building, but a moment in the development of Dutch national identity. The architecture evokes a sense of historical grandeur, while Weve’s presence signifies the contemporary effort to preserve and celebrate local heritage. Nijmegen, with its rich Roman history, was a key site for constructing a narrative of Dutch identity rooted in both ancient and medieval legacies. The image invites us to consider the cultural values attached to landmarks. Historical societies, local archives, and urban planning documents all offer further insights. By examining these sources, we can better understand how this photograph participates in the ongoing construction of collective memory and civic identity.