Gezicht op het Kasteel van Beaufort 1913

Simon Moulijn rendered this view of Beaufort Castle, likely in the early 20th century, using chalk and graphite on paper. Moulijn, deeply rooted in the Hague School, often depicted scenes that evoke a sense of quietude and reflection. In this artwork, the castle, rendered in muted tones, sits atop a small bridge, suggesting a connection between the past and present. The serene landscape, however, belies the complex history of castles as symbols of power, class, and control. Moulijn’s choice to portray the castle in ruins perhaps hints at the decline of feudal structures. Consider how the artist invites us to contemplate the passage of time and the legacies of those who inhabited these spaces. Does it represent a romanticized version of history or a more critical reflection on societal structures?