Gezicht op de Zwanenburg te Kleve 1650 - 1651

Jan van Goyen made this sketch of the Zwanenburg in Cleves using pen in the 17th century. During this time the Dutch Golden Age was in full swing, and art became an important way to represent the evolving identities of the Dutch people, and how they saw themselves in relation to the landscape. Van Goyen, like many of his contemporaries, focused on landscapes and cityscapes, capturing a sense of Dutch pride and identity. However, these scenes often excluded the realities of the working class, who maintained the cities and landscapes that were represented. Cleves, with its prominent castle, symbolizes power and authority, but there is a quiet stillness to the work. The artist created a selective view, inviting viewers to see the area through a specific lens. This sketch prompts reflection on how the dominant narratives are constructed and whose stories are often left out of the picture.