Herberg 't Roomtuintje aan de rand van Amsterdam c. 1728 - 1732

Cornelis Pronk made this pencil drawing of the 't Roomtuintje Inn on the outskirts of Amsterdam sometime in the first half of the 18th century. Pronk was known for his topographical drawings, commissioned by wealthy patrons who wanted detailed records of specific places. This drawing gives us a glimpse into the social landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. As Amsterdam flourished as a center of trade and culture, its edges became spaces of leisure and recreation. Inns like 't Roomtuintje offered a respite from the bustling city, a place to relax and enjoy the countryside. The drawing captures a moment of quietude, a scene of everyday life that reflects the changing relationship between urban and rural spaces. Historical societies and archives can give us further insight into the significance of this humble scene and help us interpret its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.