Gezicht op het Schielandshuis te Rotterdam c. 1696 - 1730

Jacobus Harrewijn made this print of the Schielandshuis in Rotterdam in the late 17th or early 18th century. The building itself, prominently displayed, speaks to the civic pride and regional governance structures of the Dutch Republic. Prints like these served a dual purpose in their time. They were both records and instruments of place-making. Notice how the print emphasizes the order and activity around the building, reinforcing the idea of Rotterdam as a center of commerce and governance. The presence of figures engaged in various activities – walking, riding, and carrying goods – animates the scene and speaks to Rotterdam's vibrant urban life. The inscription above the building identifies it as the "Land's Huys," a building for public administration. By studying urban plans, tax records, and the correspondence of city officials, we gain a deeper understanding of how cities like Rotterdam functioned. This image allows us to reflect on how urban spaces are not merely physical locations but also stages upon which social and political life unfolds.