Huis op stadswal c. 1857 - 1910

Curator: This print, "Huis op stadswal," or "House on City Rampart" if you will, dates from sometime between 1857 and 1910. It's the work of Johannes Hilverdink and the artist used a drawing that was transformed into a print as his media to make it. Editor: My first impression is how evocative this cityscape is; even in monochrome, it seems to hint at stories nestled within the house. There’s a sense of rooted history. Curator: It's interesting you say that, because landscape views became quite popular during this period. It’s the era of urbanization with people developing new relationship to the nature that's in retreat. Hilverdink plays into this cultural moment beautifully. We see this interest reflected throughout different European movements. Editor: Absolutely. The architecture almost functions as a character itself. And the slight vantage point; we are placed in the distance looking in on what seems a privileged, almost sequestered life. Curator: I'd say this piece likely provided its viewers a sense of familiar civic pride, as it’s now at the Rijksmuseum. Consider its setting; that house is deliberately presented against a city rampart. Its imagery evokes resilience, even the face of historical upheavals. Editor: Agreed. Look at how Hilverdink positions figures; there’s someone visible atop the staircase of the house while some others interact on ground level. Curator: Very true; and it also serves a record, showing everyday city life as it moved, reformed and even grew upwards as urban density started to take a foot. Editor: Overall, Hilverdink captures an everyday scene and imbued it with symbolic and political significance, making viewers like us, reflect on society. Curator: The print encourages reflection not just of the scene, but how national identity manifests within art as a visual medium. Thank you for unveiling the narrative and emotional weight behind this understated artwork, through which Hilverdink subtly documents the spirit of Dutch heritage and pride.