Gezicht op Huis Warmond, 1730 1750 - 1792

Hendrik Spilman created this engraving of Gezicht op Huis Warmond in 1730. Note that Spilman wasn’t even 10 years old at the time, which begs the question of authorship. Castles like Huis Warmond weren't merely residences; they were potent symbols of power, status, and lineage. Their architectural grandeur boldly proclaimed the socioeconomic disparities of the 18th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic was undergoing significant social and political change, with a widening gap between the wealthy elite and the working class. The image presents an idealized, romanticized vision of aristocratic life. Yet, for every person enjoying leisure on those manicured grounds, many more were in service, their stories often untold. How does the serene depiction of Huis Warmond reconcile with the realities of a society built on unequal access and opportunity? How do we reckon with the power structures these landscapes silently uphold?