Gezicht op de tuinen bij het Huis ter Nieuburch in Rijswijk, 1697 1697

This etching, "Gezicht op de tuinen bij het Huis ter Nieuburch in Rijswijk," was created in 1697 by an anonymous artist, offering a meticulously detailed view of the gardens. The rigid symmetry of the formal gardens is immediately striking, evoking a sense of control and order. The composition adheres to a strict perspective, leading the eye toward the horizon. This use of perspective isn't merely representational, but symbolic. It suggests a world where order can be imposed on nature and society. The detailed rendering of the gardens, with their geometric patterns and manicured hedges, emphasizes human dominance over the natural world. Moreover, the garden's layout, with its clear divisions and pathways, can be seen as a metaphor for the social hierarchies and power structures of the time. The etching, therefore, goes beyond a simple depiction of a landscape, becoming a complex statement about control, order, and the relationship between humanity and nature.