Kasteel Herbeke in Hemiksem 1696

Jacobus Harrewijn created this print of Kasteel Herbeke in Hemiksem. The bird’s-eye view shows us an idealized landscape, reflecting the wealth and power of its owner. The image operates through visual codes that would have been easily read by Harrewijn’s contemporaries in the Netherlands. The carefully cultivated gardens, for example, are visual signifiers of control over nature, a demonstration of wealth. The castle itself is positioned prominently, a symbol of authority within this constructed landscape. It’s worth remembering that the Dutch Golden Age, during which this print was made, was a time of great economic prosperity, driven by trade and colonialism. The elite classes displayed their affluence through such estates. Understanding this artwork means delving into the social and economic history of the Dutch Golden Age. Resources like period maps, estate records, and studies of Dutch landscape design can reveal the layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple image.