Voornaam gezelschap aan de voet van een terras van een kasteel 1825 - 1899

This pencil drawing was created by Alexander Schaepkens, who lived from 1815 to 1899. It depicts a gathering of well-to-do people at the base of a castle terrace, reflecting the artist's interest in architectural settings populated by figures, which became popular in the 19th century. The image creates meaning through its depiction of social class, with its detailed rendering of the clothing and leisure activities of the elite. Made in the Netherlands, the artwork likely comments on the social structures of its time, possibly critiquing or celebrating the established order. The institutional context, being part of the Dutch art world, would have shaped Schaepkens' production and reception. As an art historian, further research into the social and economic conditions of 19th-century Netherlands, as well as Schaepkens' biography and artistic influences, would provide a deeper understanding of the artwork's meaning and significance. Ultimately, the artwork's meaning is contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was created and viewed.