Poort van de Marinewerf aan de Grote Kattenburgerstraat te Amsterdam 1870 - 1926

Willem Wenckebach created this print of the gate of the Marinewerf on the Grote Kattenburgerstraat in Amsterdam using etching. While undated, this print offers a glimpse into the Netherlands' complex relationship with its maritime power and the narratives of national identity intertwined within. Wenckebach, who lived through a period of significant social and political change, captures a seemingly straightforward scene with an undercurrent of deeper societal structures. The print invites us to consider the role of the navy in shaping Dutch identity, especially during a time when colonialism and maritime trade were central to the nation's economic and political power. The imposing structure of the gate, combined with the lone figure of a guard, evokes a sense of both authority and exclusion. How does this image reinforce or perhaps subtly question the narratives of Dutch power and national identity? Think about who is allowed through this gate, and who is kept out. The emotional resonance lies in the balance between the pride associated with naval strength and the potential for introspection on the human cost of such power.