Second View of the Environs of Antwerp (Seconde Vue des Environs d'Anvers) 1700 - 1790

Jan Brueghel the Elder created this print, "Second View of the Environs of Antwerp," using etching techniques. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of place in the 17th century. Antwerp, then part of the Spanish Netherlands, was a major commercial hub. Brueghel’s image presents an ordered, prosperous landscape. But it also subtly reflects the social hierarchy of the time. Note the contrast between the well-dressed figures in the foreground and the farmers tending their livestock in the distance. The church in the middle ground signifies the pervasive influence of the Catholic Church in daily life. To fully understand this image, we can consult period maps, economic surveys, and even fashion guides. These resources offer a richer understanding of the social and institutional forces that shaped Brueghel’s artistic vision. The meaning of this landscape is inextricably tied to its specific historical context.