Prieel van de koningin in de tuin van Paleis Honselaarsdijk 1689 - 1702

Carel Allard created this print of the Queen's summer house in the garden of Honselaarsdijk Palace, likely in the late 17th century. The image offers a glimpse into the leisure and social life of the Dutch elite during the Golden Age. Honselaarsdijk Palace was a significant royal residence, and its gardens were designed to impress, demonstrating power through lavish displays. This print reflects the cultural values of the time, where art served to glorify the ruling class and the state. Note the geometrically designed garden, a symbol of control over nature mirroring the control exerted over society. Understanding this print requires considering the role of the House of Orange in the Netherlands. We can also use estate inventories and visitor accounts to understand more about the culture of display at Honselaarsdijk and other elite residences. By understanding these factors we can better understand how this image reflects and reinforces the social hierarchies of its time.