' ’s Konings Tuin met de Klosbaan, achter de Stallingen gezien", in: Tooneel Der Voornaamste Nederlands Huizen, En Lust Hoven, Naar T Leven Afgebeeld 1660 - 1693

Carel Allard created this print, titled "’s Konings Tuin met de Klosbaan, achter de Stallingen gezien," as part of a series called "Tooneel Der Voornaamste Nederlands Huizen, En Lust Hoven, Naar T Leven Afgebeeld." This image offers a glimpse into the structured leisure of the Dutch elite. The figures are neatly arranged within the garden’s geometric design, reflecting a society that valued order and status. Yet, beyond the manicured lawns, what personal stories lie within these scenes of privilege? How did gender, class, and societal expectations shape the experiences of those depicted? Did the artist challenge or reinforce the norms of his time? Consider the power dynamics at play and the hidden narratives within the composition, reflecting on the lives and experiences of those both seen and unseen in this carefully constructed world.