Gezicht op het Belfort te Brugge 1873

Edouard Vermorcken made this print of the Belfry of Bruges in Belgium. The Belfry was historically a symbol of civic power and freedom. This image was made at a time when Belgium was a relatively new nation-state, seeking to establish its own cultural identity after centuries of foreign rule. The choice of the Belfry as a subject, then, is no accident. Vermorcken's print subtly reinforces a narrative of national pride and historical continuity. Prints such as these served a vital role in shaping public perception and promoting a shared cultural heritage in the 19th century. They circulated widely and helped to construct a collective image of Belgium’s past. By studying prints like these, we gain insights into the visual culture of the time and the ways in which art played a role in shaping national consciousness. To understand the artwork fully, we might investigate the history of Bruges, Belgium in the 19th century.