Weite flache Gegend mit mehreren Ortschaften 

Anthonie Waterloo created this drawing of a wide, flat landscape with several villages using pen and brown ink in the 17th-century Netherlands. It presents an expansive view of the Dutch countryside, a land shaped by its unique geography and the ceaseless efforts of its inhabitants to manage water and create habitable space. This image reflects the cultural values of the time, emphasizing the industriousness and resourcefulness of the Dutch people, whose landscape was regarded as a source of national pride. The relatively new art market played a crucial role. Artists like Waterloo found patronage among a rising middle class eager to celebrate their nation’s achievements. To fully understand this work, we might turn to historical maps, agricultural records, and other archival documents. By examining these sources, we can deepen our understanding of the interplay between art, society, and institutional forces.