Gezicht op de Waterpoort aan de Schelde in Antwerpen 1868

Jean Théodore Joseph Linnig created this etching of the Waterpoort in Antwerp. With its formal, neoclassical style, the Waterpoort, completed in 1624, embodied the power and prosperity of Antwerp as a major port city. Linnig’s choice to depict this architectural symbol speaks volumes about the cultural and economic values prevalent in 19th-century Belgium. Linnig’s print provides insight into the era's understanding of its own history. The detailed depiction of the Waterpoort—complete with its heraldic symbols and inscriptions—emphasizes the importance of civic pride and historical continuity. The inclusion of figures in the foreground brings the scene to life. To fully appreciate Linnig’s work, we can turn to archives, historical societies, and collections. These resources shed light on the social and institutional contexts of the time. By examining such sources, we recognize art's profound connection to the social and cultural landscape.