Paleis Honselaarsdijk wisselt van eigenaar / Verkoop van de Pruisische heerlijkheden aan Anna van Hannover, 1754 1754

Curator: Look at this fascinating print, etched by Simon Fokke in 1754. It’s entitled "Paleis Honselaarsdijk wisselt van eigenaar / Verkoop van de Pruisische heerlijkheden aan Anna van Hannover," currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It depicts the sale of Prussian estates to Anna of Hanover. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the split composition. It's like two acts of a play, presented on a single stage. The upper register has a vibrant outdoor scene, almost festive. The bottom is subdued, interior, with more solemn energy. Curator: Exactly. The upper portion displays Honselaarsdijk Palace, where Anna’s arrival is celebrated, showcasing flags and an assembled crowd. The scene signifies wealth, status, and power. It almost acts as propaganda by showing her strength and ability to control lands. Editor: And the linear precision of Fokke's technique really shines through in this depiction. The details in the palace facade and the figures—so precise, so crisp. You can feel the social structure being carefully laid out before your eyes in ink and paper. How are the symbols presented through the use of lines? Curator: Let's explore that a little more. There's definitely a symbolic layering present. The open landscape conveys a sense of expansive opportunity. But, also the architecture becomes an emblem of permanence, a stage setting for historical significance. And lower down we see what looks like a formal signing. The weight of the contract reflected by these composed figures sitting at a table. This signifies a key transaction cementing royal dominion. Editor: The tapestry behind them with what appears to be foliage, creates a confined space. I get the sensation of a controlled exchange, which really echoes with your description of domain, dominion and transaction. It seems the print uses this to highlight two different scales of events, macro, exterior political acts, and micro interior agreements and contracts. The cross-hatched lines on the chair are interesting, offering different values, and the eye bounces between tones, and line quality. What a clever contrast that draws in the eye, doesn’t it? Curator: Precisely, it all adds up to create such a lasting visual record, in its own style reflecting an understanding of landscape. Editor: I'm glad we were able to unpack all those things to find connections, in tone, value, style, and even time to create something memorable and meaningful!