Man kijkt vanaf oever uit over het water 1722 - 1784

This print, whose date is unknown, was made by Simon Fokke. We see a man gazing out over the water, but what can we learn about the cultural moment that produced this image? The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It depicts an idealised vision of the Dutch landscape, probably made in the Netherlands sometime during the 18th century. During this time the Dutch Republic was a major economic and cultural power, famous for its trade, shipping, and art. Water management was crucial to Dutch society, with canals and waterways used for transportation, irrigation, and defence. The print may allude to the importance of water in Dutch life, or perhaps even the relationship between humanity and nature. To understand Fokke's print better, we can look at prints and other visual materials from the period, as well as archival documents and historical accounts. By doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the social and institutional context in which the artwork was created.