De Sint-Nicolaaspoort te Namen 1740

Curator: Just lovely! My first thought: a dreamy, muted stage set. Is that even possible in pencil and graphite? There’s this peaceful little world just existing on paper. Editor: Here we have "De Sint-Nicolaaspoort te Namen," a drawing created around 1740 by Jan de Beijer. It currently resides in the Rijksmuseum. De Beijer was capturing a cityscape, specifically St. Nicholas Gate in Namur. Curator: He really was, wasn't he? A specific point in space and time held on paper. Do you notice the little bridge to the gate and that adorable, tiny couple riding their horse across it? Editor: That bridge serves a purpose, literally and figuratively. Historically, city gates like these weren't just pretty architectural features. They controlled who and what entered, determining which communities had access to resources and power. De Beijer probably wasn't aware, however, that those entering such a place were deemed "safe." Curator: Oh, yes, I never really thought about that. In terms of safety... this brings me to my main questions for our Jan. Was he even a "Jan"? And why name the work with "sint?" Was there ever even a Nicolaas? Editor: These questions regarding safety have some merit; we need to further contextualize why "Nicolaas" and Sint are together in the piece's title. Nicolaas represents faith and charity in a world dominated by powerful state structures. Also, it might indicate the Saint's Gate significance as an economic hub during this time period, serving all different classes. Curator: All different classes united by capitalism! That does provide an important tension to consider. This city felt at once accessible to those entering and yet protected from everyone on the outside. That shading he employs seems like more than just shading now, as well! I'm almost certain that the use of light gives this drawing so much "depth." It pulls me in, like the eye of the storm. Editor: I think, more than anything, we learn that artworks aren't frozen moments but rather starting points for ongoing dialogues and renegotiations with the past. Curator: And isn't that the joy of it all? I feel almost homesick looking at this! It brings my present concerns and experiences of home right to the table.