Sint-Janspoort te Arnhem 1727 - 1733

Abraham Rademaker created this print of Sint-Janspoort in Arnhem sometime between 1675 and 1735. Rademaker was working in a Netherlands that was experiencing a period of economic flourishing and artistic innovation, often referred to as the Dutch Golden Age. This print is part of a larger cultural project aimed at documenting and celebrating Dutch identity through its landscapes and cityscapes. Note how Rademaker meticulously captures the architectural details of Sint-Janspoort. The Sint-Janspoort isn't just a building, it embodies the history and resilience of the city of Arnhem. Built in 1507, and significantly altered by 1600, as noted in the inscription below, it represents layers of historical change and adaptation. Rademaker’s choice to depict the gate with such detail reflects a desire to preserve a sense of place and history amid the transformations of the time. This image invites us to reflect on how we construct and preserve collective memory through art.