Gezicht op een huis aan de Koornmarkt in Delft before 1880

This anonymous print captures a view of a house on the Koornmarkt in Delft. Its creation and reception would have been rooted in the visual culture and socio-economic structures of its time. While the artist remains unknown, we can still interpret the print as a representation of Dutch society. The Koornmarkt, a central marketplace, would have been a hub of commercial and social activity, and the house itself reflects the wealth and status of its inhabitants. Think about how class distinctions are subtly conveyed through architectural details. The building’s design embodies the ideals of order, balance, and prosperity that were central to the Dutch Golden Age. Consider this print as a mirror reflecting the values and social hierarchy of its era. It invites us to reflect on how our own environments shape our identities. What do our buildings say about us?