Tekening van het kasteel Stoutenberg bij Amersfoort door H.J. van den Brink c. 1860 - 1880

This is a drawing of Stoutenberg Castle near Amersfoort, made by Abraham Adrianus Vermeulen. Castles in the Netherlands often have complex histories, representing not only aristocratic power but also the shifting tides of political and economic control. Vermeulen’s choice to depict Stoutenberg Castle can be understood within the context of 19th-century Dutch society, one in which a rising middle class was increasingly interested in their national history and architectural heritage. The image creates meaning through the careful rendering of the castle’s facade, emphasizing its grandeur and historical significance. In this period, historical societies flourished, and the preservation of monuments became a matter of national pride. Vermeulen, through his art, participates in this cultural moment, reinforcing the value of preserving the past while also catering to an audience eager to consume images of national landmarks. To fully appreciate this artwork, a historian might consult archives of local historical societies and studies of Dutch architectural history, revealing the intertwined relationship between art, national identity, and cultural preservation.