Beschrijving bij de titelprent voor prentserie 'Het park van Enghien (Edingen)' door Romeyn de Hooghe c. 1685

This descriptive text, accompanying Romeyn de Hooghe’s print of the park of Enghien, made around 1700, offers a glimpse into the intertwined worlds of aristocracy, mythology, and landscape design. The text elevates the park's creator, the Duke of Arenberg, by linking his achievements to divine approval. Gender roles are pronounced, with goddesses like Diana promising beauty and abundance, while male gods such as Apollo offer protection and intellectual inspiration. The garden is presented as a harmonious blend of art and nature. This cultivated space is a reflection of social status and cultural values. The emotional resonance lies in the promise of an earthly paradise, shielded from strife and filled with sensual delights. De Hooghe's print, with its accompanying text, not only celebrates the park's physical beauty but also serves as a testament to the Duke’s power and the social order he represents. It's a world where art, nature, and social hierarchy converge.