Gezicht op de Nobelpoort te Zierikzee, 1743 1754 - 1792

Hendrik Spilman created this print of the Nobelpoort in Zierikzee in 1743. The print depicts the Nobelpoort, a city gate, in a very specific fashion, during the eighteenth century in the Netherlands. The Dutch Golden Age, marked by its artistic innovation and economic prosperity, had waned by this point. Here, Spilman is documenting Dutch civic architecture during a time of peace. We see a clear attempt to picture things as they were. The composition is neat and architectural details of the city gate are well-recorded. The surrounding landscape looks calm and organized. Prints such as this one were often commissioned by local governments or wealthy patrons to document the appearance of cities and towns. They played a role in shaping civic identity and promoting local pride. By looking at historical archives, maps, and other visual sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional contexts in which this print was created and consumed.