Merkwaardige gebouwen 1867 - 1883

Willem Bal made this print, ‘Remarkable Buildings,’ in the Netherlands, sometime in the 19th century. It's an intriguing collection of images that invites us to consider the public role of architecture during this time. The print showcases various notable buildings, each carrying its own historical and cultural associations. From city gates to royal residences, the images serve as visual codes that reflect the socio-political landscape of the Netherlands. Consider, for instance, how the depiction of the 's-Gravelandse Veerhuis, where the States-General once convened, evokes a sense of national identity and political history. Or the Paleis te Amsterdam which became property of the nation under King Lodewijk the first. These buildings, rendered through the medium of print, were part of a broader effort to shape public memory. By studying archival sources such as newspapers and council minutes, we can unpack the complex relationship between architecture, power, and the construction of collective identity in 19th-century Netherlands.