De provincie Gelderland. 358,718 inwoners 1844

This unassuming print, crafted by Jan Schuitemaker, depicts Gelderland through a series of topographical vignettes. Notice the recurring motif of the tower: rising prominently in both the Belvidere and Arnhem scenes. Towers, historically, are potent symbols. We see them across cultures – from the Tower of Babel to medieval keeps – representing both aspiration and fortification. The Belvidere’s ruinous state evokes a sense of decay. Consider how ruins, in their crumbling grandeur, often trigger a deep emotional response. The German concept of ‘Ruinenwert,’ suggests ruins possess an inherent aesthetic value, evoking nostalgia and contemplation on time's passage. Consider, too, how these towers, whether intact or crumbling, resonate with our collective fascination with verticality, power, and the inevitable decline of human endeavors. They are silent witnesses, embodying the cyclical nature of history and memory.