Ruïne van Rijnsburg, gezien vanuit het zuidwesten after 1800

Hermanus van Brussel made this etching of the Ruin of Rijnsburg from the southwest in the late 18th or early 19th century. During this period, the Netherlands was experiencing political and social upheaval, caught between revolution and restoration. Van Brussel’s image is a complex interplay of decay and resilience. The ruined abbey, once a center of religious and political power, now stands as a skeleton against the sky. Yet, life persists. Figures gather near the ruins, perhaps contemplating the past or simply seeking shelter. The gnarled tree, with its roots clinging to the earth, symbolizes nature's endurance. The artist seems to be asking: How do we reconcile the weight of history with the need to move forward? As you stand here, consider the layers of time embedded in this landscape. What does it mean to build upon ruins? How do we honor the past while embracing the future?