Kleefse en Hanselersche poort te Kalker 1758

Paulus van Liender created this engraving titled "Kleefse en Hanselersche poort te Kalker" in the late 18th century, a period marked by significant political and social change in Europe. This work offers insights into the spatial and social structures of the time. The detailed rendering of the Kleefse and Hanselersche gates provides more than architectural documentation. They speak to the division and control inherent in urban planning. The gates, as points of entry and exit, symbolize the regulation of movement and commerce, reflecting the social hierarchies and power dynamics that shaped community life. We see not just buildings, but the very structures that dictated people’s lives and interactions. As you consider this image, reflect on how these physical boundaries might have shaped individual and collective identities within Kalker. The gates not only defined the town's limits, but also the social experiences of its inhabitants.