Toren van de voormalige Dampoort in Middelburg c. 1856 - 1861

This is Cornelis Springer's sketch of the tower of the former Dampoort in Middelburg, made with graphite on paper in the 19th century. Springer was a Dutch painter known for his architectural paintings and cityscapes. This sketch offers a glimpse into the architectural and urban landscape of the Netherlands during a period of significant social and economic change. The Dampoort, as a city gate, would have played a crucial role in controlling access and trade, reflecting the economic life of Middelburg, the capital city of the province of Zeeland. Springer's interest in architectural detail is a reflection of the 19th-century historicism and the growing appreciation for preserving cultural heritage. His choice of subject matter, a historical city gate, speaks to a broader cultural movement of romanticizing the past in the face of rapid modernization. Further research into the archives of Middelburg and the history of its fortifications would reveal much about the city's social and economic life during the 19th century.