Gezicht op het Stadhuis in Groningen 1858

Johann Gabriel Friedrich Poppel created this print of the Town Hall in Groningen using etching and engraving techniques. Poppel, active in the 19th century, lived through a period of significant social and political transformation. The print reflects a society deeply rooted in its civic structures. Consider how the Town Hall, a symbol of governance, stands prominently in the landscape, subtly reinforcing ideas of power and authority. The figures populating the scene, rendered with careful detail, offer a glimpse into the period's social strata. The carriages and the attire of the individuals suggest a society defined by class distinctions. How does this image reflect or challenge our understanding of community and governance? Think about the stories and histories embedded in the bricks and mortar of this civic building.