Gezicht op de Vleeshal te Haarlem c. 1875 - 1900

Johannes Gerardus Kramer captured this image of the Vleeshal in Haarlem with photography, a relatively new medium in the late 19th century. The Vleeshal, or meat market, was originally constructed in the early 17th century during a time of economic prosperity in the Netherlands. As such, it is an example of Dutch architecture and civic pride. In Kramer's time, Haarlem, like other industrialized cities, was experiencing social changes related to economic development. Kramer's choice to photograph the Vleeshal can be seen as part of a broader cultural interest in preserving historical landmarks amidst modernization. The photograph invokes a sense of nostalgia for a past era, and it asks us to consider the values and traditions that were being upheld or challenged during this period of transformation. The Vleeshal stands as a reminder of the city's past, inviting viewers to reflect on the passage of time and how the built environment shapes our collective identity.