Gezicht op het stadhuis te Rotterdam 1839 - 1844

Charles Rochussen captured this view of the Town Hall in Rotterdam using pen and brush in grey on paper. Rochussen, who lived through a period of significant social and political change in the Netherlands, often depicted scenes of everyday life. This drawing offers a glimpse into the urban environment of the 19th century, revealing not just the architecture but also the people who animated the space. Consider the figures in the foreground, likely members of the working class, going about their daily routines against the backdrop of the imposing Town Hall. The Town Hall, a symbol of civic authority, contrasts with the ordinary lives unfolding before it. In his broader body of work, Rochussen skillfully captured the nuances of Dutch society. Here, he invites us to contemplate the relationship between the governing structure and the community it serves. It prompts reflection on how spaces of power and governance intersect with individual experiences and the collective identity of a city.