Waterput bij een ruïne c. 1613 - 1638

Charles de Hooch created this etching, "Waterput bij een ruïne," sometime in the early to mid-17th century. This was a period of great social and economic change in the Netherlands, with rapid urbanization and the expansion of global trade. The crumbling architecture of the ruin stands as a stark reminder of the transience of human achievement. The image itself is a study in contrasts, with light and shadow playing across the stone surfaces. There's a sense of decay and neglect, yet nature persists. The well and surrounding foliage suggest that life continues amid the ruins, perhaps echoing the resilience of the Dutch people during a time of upheaval. The lone figure in the background hints at the human presence within this landscape. "Waterput bij een ruïne" invites us to reflect on the intersection of history, memory, and the enduring power of the natural world.