Polderhuis 1923

Frederik van der Harst created this etching titled 'Polderhuis' in 1923. It depicts a quaint waterside house, a type of building synonymous with the Netherlands. The polderhuis is more than just a dwelling; it represents a specific cultural relationship with the landscape. This relationship is one of reclamation and management. The Dutch have, for centuries, drained and repurposed land from the sea, or low-lying areas, into habitable and agricultural land. These reclaimed lands are called polders. The polderhuis thus becomes a symbol of Dutch identity, resilience, and ingenuity. Van der Harst's choice to depict the polderhuis evokes a sense of national pride and connection to the land. By choosing this subject, van der Harst is not merely painting a pretty picture. Instead, he’s engaging with a history of struggle, innovation, and a unique way of life carved out of a watery landscape. It's an image imbued with the spirit of a nation that has learned to live in harmony with water.