Kasteel en raadhuis te Goch 1758

Paulus van Liender made this print of the castle and town hall in Goch, likely in the 1770s, using etching and engraving techniques. The print offers a glimpse into the civic pride and social order of the Dutch Republic during the late 18th century. The upper half features a castle, a symbol of authority and aristocratic power, while the lower half showcases the town hall, representing municipal governance and civic life. Consider the composition. The parallel positioning of these buildings speaks volumes about the balance of power in Dutch society at the time, as does the presence of figures from different social classes populating the scene. To truly understand this image, we might delve into the archives of Goch itself, examining local records to uncover the specific histories of these buildings and the people who inhabited them. Only through careful research can we appreciate the full meaning of this image and the society that produced it.