Delft through the centuries
art beneath the Plantagebrug
Delft through the ages: art beneath the Plantagebrug
Discover a unique work of art in which Delft’s past and present come together. Beneath the Plantagebrug, artist René Jacobs brings together famous figures from Delft across different eras in a single colourful scene.
An ode to Delft
Anyone walking through Delft will encounter stories from the past at every turn. But beneath the Plantagebrug, history converges with modern-day Delft in a special way.
The artwork ‘Delft through the ages’ was created by the Delft-based artist René Jacobs. Against the backdrop of Vermeer’s famous ‘The Little Street’, around twenty well-known Delft residents from past and present can be seen. They are mingled together haphazardly, dressed in the style of the Golden Age. This creates a surprising image in which different eras and stories from Delft come together.
The artwork illustrates how strongly Delft has remained connected over the centuries to the people who live there, work there and have shaped its history.
Who do you recognise?
Take a close look and discover the different faces of Delft in the artwork. From historical figures to well-known modern-day residents of Delft: who’s who?
Thus, throughout the centuries, Delft has been not only a work of art but also a sort of picture puzzle. Whilst you wait for the Plantagebrug to open, you can try to recognise as many people and details as possible.
Next to the artwork, you’ll find a QR code with more information about the work and the various elements incorporated into it.
View the artwork at the Plantagebrug
The artwork is located beneath the Plantagebrug, on the Oostsingel. You can view the artwork when the bridge opens and you are standing on the Oostsingel side.
This makes viewing the art an integral part of the experience: sometimes you have to wait a moment, look closely and perhaps have a bit of luck. But that is precisely what allows you to discover the artwork in a special way.
Would you prefer to view the artwork at your own pace? If so, you can also find out more about it via the QR code located near the bridge.
René Jacobs
The artwork was created by the Delft-based artist René Jacobs. In his work, he combines various techniques and subjects, often with a quirky and humorous perspective.
With ‘Delft through the centuries’, Jacobs set out to create a work of art entirely centred on Delft: on the city, its history and its inhabitants. The result is a colourful portrayal in which well-known Delft stories and faces come together.
Want to discover more of René Jacobs’ work? Visit his gallery and studio at Nieuwe Langendijk 10.
