Handschrift betreffende Jean-Baptiste Pisson after 15

This is a handwritten document, artist unknown, that details some biographical information about Jean-Baptiste Pisson. In fluid, elegant calligraphy, the author notes Pisson’s profession as “Bouwkunstenaar,” or building artist, that he was born in Ghent on March 21, 1763, and that he was an architect for the city of Ghent. The document continues, noting that Pisson was responsible for “the beautiful bridges of the city, and many beautiful facades.” It mentions the orangery of the botanical garden and waterworks, as well as his role at the Royal Medical Institute. He died on December 15, 1815. This document serves as an important historical record, shedding light on the life and contributions of an architect who helped shape the urban landscape of Ghent. What aspects of our built environment do we take for granted, and what histories and identities are inscribed within them?