Gezicht op Burcht Rheinfels, bij Sankt Goar c. 1694 - 1697

This etching, “Gezicht op Burcht Rheinfels, bij Sankt Goar,” by Pieter Schenk, depicts a panoramic view of the imposing Rheinfels Castle on a hill overlooking the Rhine River. Completed between 1694 and 1697, the piece showcases the precision and detail characteristic of Dutch Golden Age art. The composition is typical of 17th-century landscape etching, showcasing the castle's grand architecture against a dramatic backdrop of rolling hills and a serene river. Schenk masterfully captures the atmosphere of the scene with meticulous attention to detail, including the textures of the stone walls, the swaying foliage, and the reflections on the water. The engraving, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to Schenk's skill and the enduring beauty of the Rhine Valley landscape.