Landskab med en statue 1645 - 1714

"Landskab med en statue" is an undated etching by Albert Meyering. Born in Amsterdam, Meyering spent much of his career working in Sweden as a court painter, and that experience profoundly shaped his landscapes. This etching invites us to consider the relationship between nature and culture during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The romanticized landscape, dotted with classical ruins, speaks to a longing for a bygone era, a common theme in European art during this period. The figures almost seem to be actors on a stage, emphasizing the staged nature of the scene. The contrast between the wildness of nature and the order of the classical elements is meant to evoke an emotional response. Meyering's work offers a glimpse into the mindset of the European elite, who sought to create a sense of order and control in a rapidly changing world. This landscape serves as a reminder of the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, and where we belong.