Gezicht op de Waterpoort aan de Schelde in Antwerpen 1868

Jean Théodore Joseph Linnig made this print of the Waterpoort in Antwerp using etching. The image presents the viewer with a grand entrance to the city, emphasizing the importance of trade and transportation to Antwerp’s wealth. Note the figures passing through the gate; we can imagine the constant flow of people and goods that sustained the city’s economy. Linnig made this print in Belgium, a nation whose identity was forged through complex interactions of commerce and politics, particularly during the 19th century. The institutions of art, such as academies and salons, played a crucial role in shaping artistic taste and promoting certain national narratives. Linnig’s choice of subject matter and his meticulous technique reflect the values of his time: a fascination with urban life and an appreciation for detailed representation. To fully understand this artwork, a historian might consult city archives, trade records, and exhibition catalogs. The meaning of this print is contingent on the social and institutional contexts in which it was created and viewed.