Bird’s-eye View of Slot Schagen, Seen from the North c. 1646 - 1647

Roelant Roghman created this drawing of Slot Schagen in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by immense economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. Looking at this bird's-eye view, consider the position of power Roghman occupies as the artist. He gives us a sweeping vista of the moated castle. The lines are precise, illustrating not just the architecture but the manicured gardens and the figures in the courtyard. This is a portrait of control. Roghman's choice to depict the castle from above creates a sense of dominion, subtly reinforcing the social hierarchy of the time. Roghman came from a family of artists, and his connection to privilege afforded him opportunities for travel and artistic development. This image is not just an architectural study; it’s a glimpse into a world of wealth and status. The castle stands as a testament to the power and privilege concentrated in the hands of a few, a visual statement about the social order of the 17th century.