Reproductie van een ontwerp van een langsdoorsnede van een stadhuis voor Gilly, België, door Jean-Jacques Winders before 1893

This is a reproduction of a design for a town hall in Gilly, Belgium, by Jean-Jacques Winders, rendered as a print by Römmler & Jonas. The print is fascinating for what it tells us about architectural representation in the 19th century. Note the meticulous detail, almost photographic in its precision. This wasn’t just about conveying information, but also about impressing the viewer with the sheer virtuosity of the drafters. Think about the labor involved: the careful linework, the cross-hatching used to create a sense of depth and shadow, and the lettering. All of this would have taken tremendous skill and time. In a way, the print itself becomes a monument to industry. We should also consider the social context here. This was an era of rapid industrialization and urbanization, and civic buildings like town halls were seen as symbols of progress and modernity. The print is not just a representation of a building, but also a statement about the values of the society that commissioned it. It transcends mere utility; it is also a potent symbol of civic pride.