Doorsnede van de rechtbank te Westzaan 1782

Theodoor Koning created this print of the cross-section of the courthouse in Westzaan using etching and engraving. The image invites us to consider the social function of architecture and the subtle ways it can embody power. Made in the Netherlands, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century, the print shows not only the structure of the building but also its ornate interior, a marker of the importance and authority of the judiciary. The courthouse, as depicted, is not merely a functional space but a carefully designed environment intended to impress and perhaps intimidate. The tower symbolizes watchfulness and justice. Understanding this print requires delving into the history of Dutch legal institutions and architectural practices. We might examine local archives and architectural plans to understand how courthouses like this were used, and how they were perceived by the public. This image reminds us that art, even in the form of architectural representation, is deeply embedded in its social and institutional context.