Landschap met een huis aan de rand van het bos 1620 - 1711

This print, "Landscape with a House on the Edge of the Forest," was made by an anonymous artist, sometime in the early modern period. It offers us a glimpse into the relationship between people and the natural world. Prints like this one circulated widely in Europe, influencing perceptions of the landscape. But what social role did landscape imagery play? This image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic emerged as a major economic and cultural power. Artists responded to the rise of a wealthy merchant class by producing landscapes that reflected their values and aspirations. Rural scenes offered an escape from urban life, while also asserting ownership and control over the land. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a role in shaping our understanding of Dutch art. Catalogues and scholarly research help contextualize the image, revealing the social conditions that influenced its production. The meaning of this landscape is contingent on its historical and institutional context.