The Luttekepoort in Harderwijk in the Winter 1664

Anthonie Beerstraaten painted "The Luttekepoort in Harderwijk in the Winter" with oil on canvas during the Dutch Golden Age. This era, marked by economic prosperity and cultural flourishing, also witnessed stark social stratification. Beerstraaten’s winter scene captures the stark reality of 17th-century Dutch life: while some figures leisurely skate and socialize on the frozen moat, we must remember the lives of the poor, for whom winter meant heightened vulnerability. The Luttekepoort, a towering gate, symbolizes not only the town’s defense but also the division between the protected and the exposed. The gate itself is imposing, almost brooding, casting a long shadow over the revelers. The painting subtly nods to the complex interplay between human activity and the immutable forces of nature and society. The chill in the air isn’t just weather; it’s also a reminder of the social climate. Beerstraaten invites us to reflect on who is invited in from the cold and who is left out.