Gezicht op de wijk Clausen in Luxemburg 1816 - 1851

Paulus Lauters made this print of the Clausen district in Luxembourg. The image shows a city celebrated for its fortifications, yet Lauters positions his viewer outside the walls, looking in. What does it mean to position the viewer outside of the established social structures? Luxembourg was a highly contested space in the 19th Century, and the military defenses are a testament to this fact. Yet, we see a quiet scene that almost domesticates what was once a bustling military hub. The artist here is acting as an observer. This print may be seen as a comment on the relationship between citizen and institution, challenging us to consider the ways in which institutions define social space and individual experience. Further research into the history of Luxembourg during the 19th century, along with Lauters' personal history, would provide a deeper understanding of the social and institutional contexts that shaped this work.