Ein stiller Fluß zwischen Gebüsch, rechts eine Baumgruppe, im Hintergrund hohe Berge 

"Ein stiller Fluß zwischen Gebüsch, rechts eine Baumgruppe, im Hintergrund hohe Berge" was made by Gaspard Dughet. Dughet was a French painter working in 17th century Italy, who, like many of his contemporaries, took inspiration from the Roman countryside. His landscapes often evoke a sense of classical harmony and pastoral beauty. But, if we consider the historical context, these seemingly idyllic scenes reveal a more complex interplay of power and representation. The ownership of land was inextricably linked to social status and economic control. Picturesque landscapes often served to legitimize the wealth and privilege of the ruling classes. By portraying nature as orderly, harmonious and bountiful, artists like Dughet reinforced prevailing social hierarchies. Yet, within these idealized landscapes, we can also glimpse a yearning for a more balanced relationship between humanity and nature. The emotional resonance of Dughet's work lies in its ability to evoke both a sense of belonging and a longing for something beyond the confines of society.