Gezicht op de Gildehuizen aan de Grote Markt in Brussel before 1899

This print depicts the Gildehuizen, or guildhalls, on the Grote Markt in Brussels, though we don’t know exactly when it was made, or by whom. What we do know is that it was created using printmaking – likely etching or engraving, judging by the fineness of the lines. The sharp delineation and delicate shading speaks to the skill of the printmaker, who translated three-dimensional architecture into a two-dimensional image. This process of translation is important: it suggests a desire to disseminate knowledge of these buildings, to make them accessible to a wider audience than just those who could visit Brussels. The print highlights the architectural details of the guildhalls, with their elaborate facades, ornate carvings, and symbolic figures. These details speak to the wealth and power of the guilds themselves, which were associations of craftsmen and merchants who dominated economic life in many European cities. The guilds controlled production, set prices, and regulated the training of apprentices. In a sense, this print isn't just about architecture; it's about the social and economic structures of its time. Paying attention to the materials, processes, and historical context allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the deeper meanings embedded within it.