Gezicht op de Hogewoerdspoort in Leiden 1826 - 1839

J.B. Clermans created this print of the Hogewoerdspoort in Leiden, capturing a moment in the city's history. The Hogewoerdspoort was more than just a gate; it was a threshold between the urban and the rural, a place where social interactions and economic exchanges occurred. Looking closely, we see figures from various social strata – perhaps merchants, travelers, and local residents, each with their own stories and purposes. What might have been their experiences as they moved through this space? In a time of social change and evolving ideas about citizenship and belonging, the gate could serve as a point of connection, but also of exclusion. By focusing on the architecture and the people within it, Clermans invites us to reflect on how urban spaces shape our lives, our relationships, and our understanding of community. This print invites us to consider who is included and who is excluded, and how these structures influence our sense of place.