Gezicht op het Kartuizerklooster, buiten de Haarlemmer Poort, 1602 1760 - 1767

This is an anonymous print from 1602, showing a view of the Carthusian Monastery outside Haarlemmer Gate. The image offers a glimpse into the religious and social landscape of the Dutch Republic during a period of significant transformation. Looking at the image, the monastery stands as a symbol of the Catholic past amidst the rise of Protestantism. The level of detail suggests that it may have been made for a monastic patron. We should note that the Carthusian order, known for its austerity and seclusion, represents a specific form of religious life, removed from the burgeoning commercial activity of the nearby city. The surrounding landscape and the figures engaged in rural activities remind us of the economic foundations of the Republic. To fully understand the print, historians consult a variety of sources, including local archives, religious histories, and economic records. Through this research, the print reveals its meaning as a product of a society in transition.