Tolpoort aan de oostzijde van Utrecht 1809 - 1843

Cornelis van Hardenbergh made this print of the Tolpoort, or toll gate, at the Eastern side of Utrecht. At the time it was made, images like this played a crucial role in shaping urban identity. Note how the image, though ostensibly a straightforward depiction, carefully constructs a sense of civic pride. The gate itself, solid and permanent, speaks to the stability of the city. Yet it is also a place of commerce, where goods and people enter and leave, suggesting Utrecht's connections to the wider world. The artist heightens these associations by including figures from different social classes. As art historians, we can ask: How does this image participate in a broader visual culture of urban representation? What other sources, such as maps, municipal records, and travelers' accounts, can illuminate our understanding of Utrecht's social and economic life? By situating the image in its historical context, we can better appreciate its role in shaping perceptions of the city.