Gezicht op de abdij van Egmond-Binnen 1711 - 1774

Jacobus Schijnvoet created this print of Egmond Abbey in the Netherlands sometime in the early 18th century. Its serene and picturesque view connects to the growth of tourism and the rise of landscape art in the Dutch Golden Age. The image offers a snapshot of Dutch society with people traveling and going about their daily lives. At the centre of the image, the Abbey stands as a symbol of the established Church and its enduring presence in Dutch life. The surrounding landscape, carefully rendered, speaks to the Dutch Republic’s economic prosperity and cultural identity. Dutch artists were patronized by institutions and the wealthy merchant class, who used art to solidify their social standing. Prints such as this also reflect the era's religious and political tensions. To fully appreciate this print, we can consult historical documents, maps, and other images to better understand the cultural and institutional landscape of the time.