Gezicht op een straat met de Barbaratoren te Gouda Possibly 1870 - 1874

Cornelis Springer made this pencil drawing titled 'Gezicht op een straat met de Barbaratoren te Gouda' as a preliminary sketch for a later work. Architectural drawings like this were very popular in the Netherlands in the 19th century. Artists like Springer were influenced by the general vogue for Dutch history and tradition, reflecting the values of the Biedermeier period. The Biedermeier movement was largely shaped by the rise of the middle class and their increased influence on artistic taste. Works from this time often feature detailed, realistic depictions of everyday life and familiar scenes. The Barbaratoren, being a recognizable landmark, adds a sense of local pride and identity to the sketch. These images had a specific function in the 19th century, documenting historical buildings but also shaping ideas around community and nationhood. By studying such sketches alongside related paintings, historical documents, and cultural studies, we gain a deeper understanding of the role art played in shaping social values and institutional frameworks.