Dode boom in een landschap c. 1613 - 1638

Chaerles de Hooch created this image of a dead tree in a landscape, as an engraving. It can be seen to represent a variety of ideas and concepts in relation to its wider social and cultural context. In visual codes and cultural references, the image creates meaning with its historical associations. Made in the Netherlands in the 17th century, it is worth considering how specific features of that culture, such as geography, religion, historical events, social class, political movements, or economic structures might have influenced the artwork. We could also consider relevant institutional histories. Does the artwork comment on the social structures of its own time? Is it self-consciously conservative or progressive? Does it critique the institutions of art? The interpretation of art requires a lot of historical resources in order to understand it better. Only by doing this can we reflect on the meaning of art as something that is contingent on social and institutional context.