Twee stadsgezichten te Leeuwarden: Lange Piep en Blokhuis 1786 - 1792

Carel Frederik Bendorp produced these two cityscapes of Leeuwarden, likely as an engraving, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. These aren't just pretty pictures, they’re loaded with social commentary, offering us a window into the values and power structures of the time. At the top, we see ‘Lange Piep’ teeming with life: people chatting, children playing. This is a prosperous street scene. Below it, there’s the ‘Blokhuis’ after it was demolished. What does it mean to picture this event? The Blokhuis was a prison. Its demolition and depiction could reflect changing attitudes toward punishment and justice. Was this about progress or a subtle reminder of power dynamics? To truly understand this image, we need to dig into archives, maps, and local histories. What was Bendorp's social standing? Who was this artwork for? Art is never neutral; it’s always a product of its time and place.