Gezicht op de Marepoort te Leiden 1781 - 1822

Hermanus Fock created this print of the Marepoort in Leiden using etching techniques. Note the city gate itself, the Marepoort, stands as a powerful symbol. Throughout history, city gates have represented not just physical entry points, but also transition, security, and civic pride. Consider the Roman city gates, often adorned with triumphal arches, or the gates of medieval walled cities, each serving as a threshold between the known and the unknown. Here, the Marepoort, bathed in the glow of moonlight, takes on a softer, more contemplative character, its silhouette evoking a sense of longing and introspection. This threshold is not merely a barrier but an invitation to reflect on our own journeys. The city gate has evolved through time into modern border crossings, yet they continue to evoke primal sentiments tied to safety, exclusion, and the allure of venturing into the unknown. This print captures a sliver of these complex emotions.