270. The Oudegracht's finest gable stones by Domstad Rudie

About "270. The Oudegracht's finest gable stones"

by Domstad Rudie

About the artwork

This digital artwork shows a colourful and carefully composed collage of facing bricks taken from the Oudegracht in Utrecht, the Netherlands. At the top is the title in red: "The most beautiful facing bricks of Oudegracht", which immediately gives the artwork cultural and historical connotations. The image contains 30 facing bricks, arranged in five rows of six, each bearing a unique number. These stones are each relief sculptures with decorative and symbolic value, which used to identify houses before house numbers were common.

Each facing stone tells its own story: from mythological figures such as a mermaid and unicorn, to craft and trade-related images such as a ship, furnace, helmet, crown, or chicken. Some stones contain dates, such as 1630 or 1555, alluding to their historical origins. The colours are vibrant and varied - from the earth tone relief of "The White Lion" to the bright blue of "In the Blavwe Hen".

The digital reproduction is cleanly designed with a deep red background that visually frames and accentuates the bricks. The combination of typography, use of colour, and photographic sharpness gives it a museum-like, almost educational feel. The work pays homage to Utrecht's craft and rich history, inviting the viewer to reflect on how art, symbolism and urban identity come together in everyday architecture. A digital artwork that makes heritage accessible and visually appealing.

Address: Oudegracht, Utrecht

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Finished on: 25 July 2025