Gezicht op Rhenen 1619 - 1690

Anthonie Waterloo made this drawing of Rhenen using pen in grey-brown ink with grey wash, sometime in the mid-17th century. Paintings such as this reflect the cultural and economic vitality of the Dutch Republic during its Golden Age. The detailed rendering of the landscape speaks to a growing interest in naturalism and topographical accuracy among artists and their patrons. The inclusion of sailboats could reference the importance of trade and maritime power to the Republic's wealth and influence, while the distant windmills reflect Dutch innovation. Consider how the formal qualities of the drawing – the subtle gradations of tone and careful arrangement of compositional elements – create a sense of harmony and order, perhaps reflecting the values of Dutch society at the time. This imagery can be understood through archival research and consideration of the socio-political context of the Dutch Golden Age.