Gezicht op de Naald van Rijswijk in het Rijswijkse Bos 1890 - 1920

This photograph by an anonymous photographer from Monumentenzorg depicts the Naald van Rijswijk in the Rijswijkse Bos. The monument, an obelisk, was erected to commemorate the Treaty of Rijswijk in 1697, marking the end of the Nine Years' War. The war was fought between France and the Grand Alliance. The image captures the monument in a serene, wooded setting, emphasizing its presence within the Dutch landscape. Considered from a social and institutional perspective, the monument and this image reflect the ways in which historical events are memorialized and integrated into the national consciousness through public art. The Naald, commissioned by the States General of the Netherlands, symbolizes peace and national pride, embodying the political aspirations of the Dutch Republic at the time. Photographs like these serve as historical documents, preserving the monument's image and the ideals it represents for future generations. To fully understand the monument, it is important to consult archival records, historical texts, and studies of Dutch national identity. These resources can provide a deeper insight into the monument's significance.