Landschap met een door water omgeven kasteel before 1676

This etching by Pieter van der Borcht, a Dutch artist known for his detailed landscapes, depicts a fortified castle surrounded by water. The scene is a mix of realism and picturesque idealism, typical of 16th-century landscape art. The castle is a prominent feature, with its towers, walls, and a small courtyard that suggests a sense of isolation and security. Small figures are scattered around the composition, indicating the presence of human activity, while the surrounding landscape is rendered with a sense of depth and detail, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. This artwork, now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, exemplifies van der Borcht's mastery of etching and his keen eye for capturing the beauty of the natural world.