Het huis Groot Watergoor bij Nijkerk 1731 - 1733

Cornelis Pronk created this drawing of Het huis Groot Watergoor bij Nijkerk using pen in brown and gray ink. Pronk lived in a time of social and economic change in the Netherlands. As the Dutch Golden Age waned, there was a growing interest in preserving cultural heritage. Pronk’s detailed landscapes and architectural studies captured the spirit of the age. In the 18th century, country estates like Groot Watergoor were symbols of wealth and status, reflecting the power dynamics of the time. The families who owned these estates often benefited from colonial trade and the exploitation of enslaved people. The gardens and grounds were carefully designed to showcase their owners' taste and control over nature. This drawing isn’t just a depiction of a building, it represents a whole world of social relations and historical forces. It invites us to reflect on how power and privilege are embedded in the landscapes we inhabit.