"Het perk van Anguien" 1655 - 1708

This print, "Het perk van Anguien," was created by Romeyn de Hooghe in the late 17th century. It shows a bird's-eye view of a formal garden, likely etched onto a copper plate using careful lines and cross-hatching to build up tone and texture. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image through etching. Each line meticulously carved into the metal reflects a significant investment of time and skill. This mode of production was ideally suited to capture the symmetry and control of the depicted garden itself, a space that would have required intensive, ongoing labor to maintain its manicured appearance. The print thus becomes a document, not only of a physical place, but also of the social structures that enabled its creation. The artistry of de Hooghe and the unseen work of countless gardeners are both embedded in this image. By recognizing the interplay of these forces, we can appreciate how this print transcends mere representation, offering a glimpse into the world of labor, class, and consumption in the 17th century.