Gezicht te Rijswijk, 1650 1727 - 1733

This is an etching called ‘View of Rijswijk near the Church’ made around 1650 by Abraham Rademaker. The print depicts an unassuming street scene in the Dutch countryside. But what does it tell us about Dutch society at this time? The Netherlands in the mid-17th century was the world’s leading economic power, and its art market was booming. Prints like this were affordable and popular. The rising middle class were eager to purchase images of towns and villages. The cultural references of this work are subtle but clear. The church is central and is surrounded by well-kept buildings. The people appear orderly and at peace. It evokes a sense of civic pride in this newly independent nation. Art historical research enables us to compare this image with other depictions of Rijswijk and to analyze how it was received by contemporary audiences. The meaning of this print isn’t fixed or timeless, but is contingent on its specific social and institutional context.