Gezicht op de Oostpoort te Delft 1648 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop rendered this drawing of the Oostpoort in Delft using pen in brown and brush in gray. Dating from the Dutch Golden Age, this seemingly placid scene belies the social and economic transformations of the time. De Bisschop, who came from a family of merchants, practiced law and was an amateur artist. In this period, the Dutch Republic was a leading power in trade, science, and the arts. Yet, the benefits were not shared equally. Class divisions were pronounced, and access to resources was often determined by social status. Here, the Oostpoort stands as a stoic backdrop to the daily lives of ordinary people; two figures in the foreground, rendered with the same delicate touch as the gate, occupy a small boat. While de Bisschop does not focus on overt social commentary, the drawing captures a moment in time where power and everyday life coexist, prompting us to reflect on the structures that shape our experiences even today.