Poort met hekwerk 1737 - 1806

This undated line engraving titled "Poort met hekwerk," or Gate with Fencing, comes from an anonymous hand. It is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The drawing captures the rigid formality often associated with the architecture of power, designed to control access and delineate boundaries. In its stark lines and ordered composition, one can imagine the social hierarchy of the time, where access to property and privilege was determined by status and class. The gate itself becomes a symbol, not just of physical separation, but also of the societal divisions that were so deeply entrenched. Consider how the gate may reflect the personal experiences and beliefs of those who commissioned, designed, and ultimately passed through it. Did it inspire feelings of security and pride, or did it represent exclusion and isolation for those on the outside? The emotional resonance of such a structure would undoubtedly vary depending on one’s position in society. "Poort met hekwerk" prompts us to reflect on the role of architecture in shaping societal norms, and how these structures can serve as both barriers and gateways.