Doorsnede van de Tweede Muiderpoort te Amsterdam 1771

Caspar Jacobsz. Philips created this print of the Doorsnede van de Tweede Muiderpoort in Amsterdam using etching techniques. At first glance, the precision of the lines and the ordered structure of the architectural plans suggest an objective, technical drawing. Yet, this very precision invites us to consider the underlying systems of representation and knowledge. Philips meticulously details not only the facade, but also the hidden infrastructure within the gate’s dome and roof. The regular shapes and radial lines convey stability but are disrupted by the cross-sectional view, which destabilizes our understanding of spatial reality. By exposing its inner workings, Philips prompts us to question what constitutes the essence of this gate, or any structure. Ultimately, Philips' etching is not merely a technical representation, but a study in how we perceive, categorize, and understand the built environment. It serves as a reminder that every structure, like every image, is constructed through a complex interplay of form, function, and representation.