Stadsgezicht aan een rivier 1819 - 1861

Joannes van Liefland made this cityscape with pencil and brush during the 19th century. The river in the image could represent the economic and social lifeblood of the city. It’s a moment of rest and recreation, and the artist captures the buildings within the image. The horizon line is kept high, suggesting the increased importance of the city walls which could mirror the artist's nationalistic sentiments at a time of great European upheaval. The inclusion of the figures, both working and at leisure, also creates a sense of the Dutch population and social order. The image subtly speaks to the institutional and cultural histories of the Netherlands. The scene becomes a document of its time, an era defined by industrial and political change. Through careful investigation of such artwork, historians can better understand not only the visual culture of the time but also the prevailing social conditions and values.