Gezicht op de Waag en Boterhal te Leiden 1712

This print, "Gezicht op de Waag en Boterhal te Leiden," presents an architectural study through precise lines etched into the paper. The work's visual structure is dominated by the Waag building, depicted with a symmetrical facade that draws the eye upwards. The building's design integrates geometric forms—squares, arches, and triangles. The facade features an arched entrance, rectangular windows, and a triangular pediment, each element contributing to a sense of balance and order. The details, from the textures of the brickwork to the figures in the frieze, are rendered with sharp clarity. Functionally, the print is not merely a representation but also a commentary on civic order and commerce. The Waag, or weighing house, symbolizes the city's regulation of trade, while the Boterhal, or butter hall, alludes to local agricultural commerce. It’s an exploration of how architectural forms encode societal values.