Gezicht op de Homburger Poort te Doetinchem 1701 - 1759

Cornelis Pronk sketched the Homburger Poort at Doetinchem using pen and gray ink. Dominating the composition is the city gate, a potent symbol of civic identity and defense. The gate, surmounted by towers, is a motif stretching back to ancient fortifications, representing a threshold between safety and the unknown. Its arch, a semi-circular form, echoes in Roman triumphal arches, evolving through medieval city gates, each iteration imbued with the power of authority. Even in our contemporary world, the arch persists as a potent symbol in emblems, logos and monuments. The gate in Pronk's sketch might evoke a sense of security, yet, it simultaneously hints at what lies beyond—the world and it’s perils. In the collective memory, it is an opening, full of possibilities. Through Pronk's eyes, we see not just a gate, but a gateway to understanding the enduring human need for protection.