Voorgevel van Paleis Soestdijk 1725 - 1747

Hendrik de Leth created this print of Soestdijk Palace using etching, sometime in the 18th century. This artwork is more than just an architectural depiction; it reflects the societal values and power structures of the Dutch Golden Age. We see the palace, a symbol of wealth and status, juxtaposed with the figures populating the foreground. These are the everyday people whose lives were both touched and untouched by the opulence of such estates. The architecture embodies the Dutch ideals of order and prosperity while quietly alluding to the colonial enterprises that supported it. Notice the gaze of the figures within the etching and the clear distinction of social classes, a gentle reminder of the complex narratives of identity and history interwoven into the very fabric of Dutch society. De Leth’s work subtly invites us to reflect on the relationship between power, representation, and the everyday lives of those living in the shadow of such grandeur.