Binnenplaats met een beeld van een riviergod in een rechthoekige vijver 1562 - 1601

This print, "Binnenplaats met een beeld van een riviergod in een rechthoekige vijver," was created by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum. It depicts a courtyard with a statue of a river god. In the context of the Dutch Golden Age, such images reflect the cultural values and aspirations of the time. The emphasis on classical elements and formal gardens speaks to the influence of humanist ideals and the desire to emulate the grandeur of ancient civilizations. This print reflects the economic prosperity of the Netherlands, and the rise of a wealthy merchant class who sought to display their status through the patronage of the arts. The print also speaks to the social hierarchy of the time, with the presence of servants and laborers suggesting the labor needed to maintain these elaborate gardens. By examining such prints within their historical and cultural context, using resources such as period documents, architectural plans, and social histories, we can gain a deeper understanding of their significance and meaning.