Gezicht op Nivezé bij Spa 1734

This engraving, titled "View of Nivezé near Spa," was created by an anonymous artist. The scene depicts a popular spa destination, showcasing both its natural setting and the social activities it hosted. The image creates meaning through a set of visual and cultural codes. The orderly landscape and the presence of fashionable figures suggest a cultured, leisured experience. Spa towns like this one in what is now Belgium emerged in the 18th century as spaces for the elite to gather, socialize, and engage in health practices. These destinations played a crucial role in shaping social norms, class distinctions, and even the development of tourism as an industry. To understand this work better, we need to delve into the historical context of spa culture, examining travel guides, social diaries, and the economic structures that supported these resorts. This engraving offers a glimpse into a world where health, leisure, and social status intertwined, shaping the cultural landscape of the time.