1815 - 1875
Paleis van Justitie aan de Grote Markt te Anhem
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Curatorial notes
Antonie Vink Tollenaar made this print of the Palace of Justice in Arnhem. Notice how the composition creates a sense of order and stability, almost as if it’s been constructed with mathematical precision. The linear perspective draws our eye to the center, to the building’s classical facade with its imposing columns and the inscription 'Justitiae Sacrum'—Sacred to Justice. Lines are used to define every element, from the bricks to the foliage. The use of light and shadow give form and depth to architectural elements, with the shadows emphasizing the structure's three-dimensionality. Tollenaar uses the precise technique of engraving to construct an ideal of justice, embodying Enlightenment values of reason, order, and the rule of law. But look closely – the human figures add an element of everyday life, grounding the Palace of Justice in the real world. It is a powerful symbol open to constant review.