Gezicht op Kasteel Westerbeek bij Den Haag 1681 - 1682

Cornelis Elandts created this image of Gezicht op Kasteel Westerbeek bij Den Haag, or View of Westerbeek Castle near The Hague, during the Dutch Golden Age. Elandts’s engraving offers more than just a scenic view; it provides a window into the social stratifications of 17th-century Dutch society. The castle itself, set back amid the trees, symbolizes wealth and power, while the figures in the foreground represent various social classes. From the seated man on the left, perhaps a traveler or worker taking a rest, to the more affluent-looking individuals strolling along the path, each figure tells a story of their place within the social hierarchy. The meticulous detail in the landscape, combined with the inclusion of these figures, creates a narrative about the relationship between the land, its owners, and those who inhabit it. This artwork prompts us to consider the stories behind such idyllic scenes. What were the lives of those who lived and worked in the shadow of such grand estates? How did they perceive their own place in relation to such visible displays of wealth and power?