Stadspoort in de vorm van een triomfboog met drie doorgangen c. 17th century

This print, "Stadspoort in de vorm van een triomfboog met drie doorgangen," was created by an anonymous artist. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the architecture and urban design of its time. The triumphal arch depicted here isn't just a structure, it's a statement of power, a declaration etched in stone. These arches, often erected to honor military victories or significant rulers, were potent symbols of authority and imperial reach. The presence of such an arch within a city gate suggests a complex interplay between civic pride, military might, and the controlled access to urban spaces. But who was this gate meant to impress or intimidate? How might different social classes have experienced this architectural display of power? The print invites us to reflect on how public spaces are shaped by those in power and on whose terms access to the city is granted.