Gezicht op 's Gravenhage 1845 - 1892

Julius Jacobus van de Sande Bakhuyzen made this print of The Hague using etching. What emerges from this landscape view is a particular image of the Netherlands. Here, the artist presents an expansive view of the city. A low horizon emphasizes the vast sky, typical of Dutch landscape painting and representative of the country's unique geography. Windmills punctuate the skyline, visual symbols of Dutch ingenuity in land reclamation, an important feature of the country’s cultural identity, as is the focus on agriculture. This etching also depicts everyday people working the land. It’s as if van de Sande Bakhuyzen wanted to highlight not just the land itself, but the importance of rural labor to the Dutch economy and national character. Understanding this artwork involves considering the historical context in which it was created. Research into Dutch history, agricultural practices, and the art market of the time can reveal much about the artist's intentions and the social meanings embedded in the image.