Stadhuis te Gouda before 1889

This black and white print depicts the Stadhuis in Gouda. The photograph shows a magnificent stone building, which was erected in the fifteenth century. Stone is a material of permanence, so the choice to construct the building from it suggests this was a long-term project. It also requires considerable labor, from quarrying the stone to transporting and shaping it. The ornate stonework is particularly impressive, demanding a high level of skill and precision. We can imagine teams of masons and other craftspeople working together for an extended period. Consider how such a display of craftmanship has an impact. The Stadhuis was intended to communicate the wealth and authority of Gouda. So the choice of material and the level of detail are not merely aesthetic; they reflect the city's economic power. By looking at the materials and processes, we get a sense of the social context that shaped this building and its purpose. Understanding this allows us to challenge the traditional hierarchy of fine art over craft, recognizing the value of all forms of making.