Twee stadsgezichten in Delft, met de Nieuwe Kerk en de Oostpoort 1725

These two cityscapes of Delft, featuring the Nieuwe Kerk and the Oostpoort, were etched by Abraham Rademaker in the early 18th century. The prints present contrasting urban scenes, rendered in fine, detailed lines that capture the architectural essence of Delft. In the upper cityscape, the Nieuwe Kerk dominates the skyline, its towering structure juxtaposed with the horizontal spread of the city. Rademaker uses a high vantage point, creating a sense of depth and spatial organization. The lower image showcases the Oostpoort, its symmetrical towers reflected in the still water. Here, the composition is more compact, focusing on the interplay between the solid structure and its watery reflection. Rademaker’s technique, using line and form, invites us to consider the historical context of Delft. These images are not mere representations but also constructions of civic identity. They highlight the dialogue between urban development and natural setting, reflecting broader cultural values and ways of seeing during the Dutch Golden Age.