Gezicht op Zwolle vanaf het Zwarte Water 1855 - 1858

Jobst Riegel made this print of Zwolle from the Zwarte Water. It invites us to think about the social and economic context of the Netherlands in the 19th century. The image shows a busy waterway with boats and buildings. The smoke emanating from the architecture suggests industry and commerce, the lifeblood of Dutch cities. This was a time of significant change in the Netherlands, with the rise of industrialization and the growth of urban centers. Riegel's print captures a sense of this transformation, but also hints at the potential social and environmental costs. To fully understand this image, we need to explore the history of Zwolle. What role did the city play in the Dutch economy? What were the major industries located here? How did these industries impact the lives of ordinary people? By consulting historical archives, economic data, and local histories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional context of this seemingly simple image.