Hof van Jan Westerhof te Amsterdam 1687 - 1744

Isaac de Moucheron created this print, "Hof van Jan Westerhof te Amsterdam," capturing a slice of Amsterdam's high society. The Dutch Golden Age was driven by global trade and colonialism, which dramatically shaped Dutch society and its relationship with the wider world. The print depicts the meticulously designed garden of Jan Westerhof, likely a wealthy merchant. This image is infused with status, illustrating the aesthetics and lifestyle of the elite. The presence of exotic birds in the aviary goes beyond mere decoration, hinting at global trade networks, colonialism, and the accumulation of wealth and resources. The garden is a stage where the wealthy display their affluence and taste, reinforcing social hierarchies. De Moucheron’s detailed engraving invites us to consider the social and economic structures that underpin such displays of luxury. It serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between wealth, power, and representation during this transformative era.