Gezicht op Gorinchem c. 1675

Gaspar Bouttats created this print of Gorinchem, likely toward the end of the 17th century, using etching and engraving techniques. Here we see a bird’s eye view of the city, dominated by its defensive walls and prominent church tower, alongside scenes of everyday life along the river. In the Dutch Golden Age, the production of cityscapes like this one boomed thanks to a growing middle class eager to consume images that celebrated their urban centers and the Republic’s economic success. Gorinchem, strategically located on the river, was a key trading hub. Prints like this served not only as records of the city's layout but also as symbols of civic pride and national identity. Art historians often consult period maps, municipal archives, and even literature to fully understand the historical context embedded in such images. By examining the social conditions and institutional frameworks, we can better appreciate how art reflects and shapes our understanding of the world.