Gezicht op de Ooster Oude Hoofdpoort in Rotterdam 1827 - 1873

Hendrik Last made this print of the Ooster Oude Hoofdpoort in Rotterdam sometime in the mid-19th century. It’s a view of a cityscape that’s being looked back on with a certain amount of nostalgia. In the Netherlands during this period, there was a strong interest in national identity, and that involved celebrating local history and traditions. This print participates in that civic pride. Last's Rotterdam is defined by a bustling port, a trading hub, and a place where one finds a mix of old and new architecture. The Ooster Oude Hoofdpoort itself represents that old Rotterdam. This gate was not just a point of entry, but a symbol of the city's independence. The choice to depict it suggests an interest in preserving the memory of a bygone era. Understanding this print requires looking into archives, historical societies, and urban development plans. Each of those resources contributes a more nuanced understanding of Rotterdam's development and its place within Dutch national identity.