Gezicht op slot Rosersberg, vanuit het oosten en het westen 1670 - 1674

Adam Perelle made this print of Rosersberg Palace using etching in the late 17th century. Rosersberg is one of the Royal Palaces of Sweden. Looking at this print, we can start to understand the politics of imagery in the late 17th century. The two views celebrate the Swedish crown through imagery of property, land, and wealth. By commissioning artists to render flattering views of their assets, the Swedish Royals shored up an image of power, stability, and affluence. Rosersberg Palace was a tangible symbol of the prevailing social structure. If we examine estate records, tax rolls, and other archival documents we can begin to understand the economic underpinnings that allowed the royals to commission these kinds of images. As an art historian, I'm interested in the ways that art both reflects and shapes the social conditions of its time.