Stadsgezicht met stadspoort gezien vanaf rivier 1746 - 1814

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this cityscape with a city gate from a river view, using etching techniques. This scene gives us a glimpse into the 18th-century Dutch landscape and its relationship to water, which was central to both its economy and identity. Bendorp, who lived through a period of political and social change, captured a sense of everyday life in this detailed depiction. Consider how the figures in boats may represent the working class, and how this artwork reflects the intersection of labor and landscape. Does it evoke a sense of collective identity, or does it represent an idealized version of Dutch society? This artwork provides insight into the historical and social context of the Netherlands and invites us to reflect on the lives of those who lived and worked there.