Gevel van de Aula Academica in Gent c. 1827

Pierre Jacques Goetghebuer created this print of the Gevel van de Aula Academica in Gent with etching. Goetghebuer lived through a tumultuous period in Belgian history, including the end of Austrian rule, the French period, and the establishment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The print reflects the cultural values of the early 19th century, a time when Neoclassical architecture was used to symbolize civic virtue and progress. Architectural depictions like this one served not only as records, but also as projections of societal aspirations. This is clear in the scale of the building relative to the people around it; it reinforces the institution's perceived authority. This piece also resonates with questions around who has access to education, and what role it plays in shaping social hierarchies and cultural identity. The meticulous detail in the print invites us to consider the stories and power structures embedded in the stones of the building.