['View of Kostverloren Manor', 'Landscapes in the Surroundings of Amsterdam'] c. 1610 - 1612

Claes Jansz. Visscher created this print, ‘View of Kostverloren Manor’, as part of his ‘Landscapes in the Surroundings of Amsterdam’. The composition is anchored by a central tower, around which the landscape unfolds. Visscher employs a rich tapestry of lines to define forms and textures. Notice how the fine, closely packed lines create darker areas, suggesting depth and shadow. The use of line as a semiotic system is crucial here; it’s not just descriptive, but also expressive, conveying the tactile qualities of foliage and structures. The artist manipulates the scale of elements, drawing our eye through the landscape. The figures are small, yet they animate the scene, giving us a sense of scale and perspective. In semiotic terms, the image functions as a sign, a cultural construct, offering a particular view of the Dutch landscape.