Gezicht op Kasteel Oud-Poelgeest 1750 - 1792

Hendrik Spilman created this small engraving of Gezicht op Kasteel Oud-Poelgeest, now in the Rijksmuseum, using fine lines to define the architecture and landscape. The composition is structured around a central axis leading directly to the castle, framed by gateposts and flanking walls. Spilman employs a formal, almost geometric approach, reducing elements to their essential forms. The buildings are depicted with clear, precise lines, emphasizing their structure and solidity. The trees, rendered with delicate strokes, add a layer of texture that contrasts with the smooth surfaces of the architecture. This interplay of line and form is not merely descriptive, but also a means of conveying a sense of order and control. The formal qualities of the engraving invite us to consider how Spilman used perspective and detail to represent space and depth. Through this, we can see how Spilman engages with broader artistic and philosophical concerns of his time.