Gezicht op de tuinen bij het Huis ter Nieuburch in Rijswijk, 1697 1699 - 1707

This print, made in 1697 by an anonymous artist, depicts the gardens at Huis ter Nieuburch in Rijswijk, showcasing the meticulously structured landscape. The garden's design, with its geometric pathways and symmetrical arrangements, symbolizes control over nature, a reflection of the era's pursuit of order and reason. These formal gardens evoke earlier traditions, such as the gardens of Versailles. Here, the rigid lines and ordered spaces reflect the prevailing belief that nature should be sculpted and tamed. This motif of imposed order resonates with deeper psychological themes. Think about how these controlled landscapes can act as a mirror, reflecting humanity's aspiration to control not just the external world but also our inner selves, our very emotions. Notice how the repetition of shapes—the squares of the flower beds, the aligned trees—can be seen as an attempt to manage chaos. This pursuit of order speaks to our collective memory, our deeply ingrained need to find structure and meaning in the often turbulent flow of life. This garden is not merely a pleasant backdrop but a stage for a deep, subconscious interplay between the natural and the human.