Twee gezichten op kloosters te Leiden: klooster van de Zusteren van Rome en klooster Sint- Hiëronymusdal of de Lopsen 1783

This print by Cornelis Brouwer gives us two views of monastic life in Leiden. It was made in the second half of the 18th century in the Netherlands, a time of great social and political change. It depicts two active cloisters. At the top is the ‘Cloister of the Sisters of Rome’, below we see the ‘Cloister of Saint Hieronymus Valley’. At the time, The Dutch Republic was undergoing a period of transformation, with debates about religious tolerance, social hierarchies, and the role of institutions. Brouwer’s decision to represent these cloisters could be seen as a commentary on the place of religious institutions within the changing social fabric of the Netherlands. How were these cloisters perceived? Did they offer refuge or reinforce traditional social structures? Uncovering the answers to these questions requires archival research to understand the nuances of Dutch society and the public role of the cloisters. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can better understand the historical significance of this print.