Drachenfels, aan de oever van de Rijn 1767

"Drachenfels, aan de oever van de Rijn", depicting the Drachenfels mountain on the Rhine, was created by Hendrik de Leth in the 18th century. This etching reflects the Dutch Republic's fascination with landscape and its burgeoning sense of national identity. During the 1700s, the Dutch Golden Age was waning, and the Republic sought to define itself through its land and history. De Leth’s detailed rendering of the Rhine captures this sentiment. The river, a vital trade route, symbolizes both connection and division, reflecting the complexities of Dutch society, which was marked by strict social hierarchies. Although the etching may seem to be a straightforward depiction, consider how landscapes are never neutral. They embody power dynamics, cultural values, and historical narratives. De Leth’s work then is not just a picture of a mountain but a statement about Dutch identity, ambition, and their place in a changing world.