Rand van de Grote Hagen (onderdeel zijkant) 1675

This is Christiaan Hagen's engraving of 'The Town Hall', created in the late 17th century. Hagen was working during the Dutch Golden Age, a time of significant economic and cultural prosperity for the Netherlands. Engravings such as this played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of civic identity and national pride. The Town Hall, prominently displayed, symbolizes the power and prestige of the city. Yet, if you look closely, the figures in the foreground are not generic. They are types, representatives of the laboring class, the merchants, and the clergy, each with their specific roles and contributions. Through its meticulous detail and symbolic composition, Hagen's work immortalizes a specific moment in Dutch history, reflecting both the grandeur and the complex social dynamics of the time. As we reflect on this image, we are reminded of the stories, often untold, of the diverse individuals whose lives shaped the Dutch Golden Age.