Vooraanzicht op de poort van Nimy 1875 - 1878

This is Léon Dolez's delicate etching of the 'Vooraanzicht op de poort van Nimy', held at the Rijksmuseum. Dolez, who was born in France in 1837, specialized in reproductive prints after paintings. Here, however, he is working from life. Created during a time of significant social and political change in Europe, the image captures the imposing architecture of the gate, hinting at themes of power, control, and perhaps even exclusion. Consider how the artist's perspective shapes our view – are we invited in, or kept at a distance? The precise lines and detailed rendering evoke a sense of history and permanence, but there's also a quiet melancholy. The print offers us a glimpse into a specific place and time. It asks us to reflect on who had access to such spaces, and who was excluded. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward depictions of architecture can carry complex layers of meaning.