Gezicht op 's-Gravenpolder c. 1662

Pieter Hendricksz. Schut created this engraving, "Gezicht op 's-Gravenpolder," which translates to "View of 's-Gravenpolder," sometime between 1619 and 1660. The print depicts a landscape that is both idyllic and subtly revealing of its social hierarchy. In the foreground, we see figures representing different social classes: a landowner on horseback, who appears to be followed by a group of children, and a seated family. The imagery reflects the economic disparities inherent in 17th-century Dutch society, where prosperity was built on both local labor and extensive global trade networks. 's-Gravenpolder itself, with its church and windmill, symbolizes community and progress. Yet, this idealized view overlooks the lives of those who toiled in the fields. Schut's engraving captures a moment in time, inviting us to reflect on the complex dynamics of labor, land, and social standing.