Gezicht op slot Steninge, vanaf het water 1695

Martin Mytens's "View of Steninge Castle from the Water" is a detailed engraving made with incredible precision during the late 17th or early 18th century. The meticulous lines used to depict the castle, gardens, and ships reveal a highly skilled artisan. The process of engraving, where lines are incised into a metal plate and then printed, allowed for the detailed reproduction of complex scenes. The very nature of engraving demands a high degree of control and foresight. Beyond just aesthetics, this print speaks volumes about the period’s social values. The castle itself, meticulously rendered, is a symbol of wealth and power. The formal gardens, arranged in perfect symmetry, mirror the desire for control and order in society. The ships hint at trade and global ambitions. Looking at the artwork through the lens of craft helps us recognize how material processes are deeply entwined with culture. The careful engraving of the castle is not just a picture, but a window into the values of its time.