Lievevrouwepoort te Bergen op Zoom, gezien vanuit de Rijkebuurtstraat, met links het atelier van de fotograaf c. 1877 - 1900

Jannis Jacobus van Melle captured this albumen print of the Lievevrouwepoort in Bergen op Zoom, likely in the late 19th century, right from his photography studio. Here, we see more than just a historical landmark. The Lievevrouwepoort, a medieval gate, stands as a proud symbol of Bergen op Zoom's past. Van Melle's choice to photograph it from the Rijkebuurtstraat, with his studio subtly included on the left, speaks volumes. Consider the social context: photography was gaining traction, and studios like Van Melle's were becoming important cultural institutions. The photograph serves as a visual record and a promotion of his business. Van Melle subtly inserts himself into the town's narrative. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the archives. Examining local histories and business records will reveal the social dynamics at play and Van Melle's role within them. Only then can we fully appreciate the complex layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple photograph.