Gezicht op de Sterrenberg, in de tuin van Kasteel Rosendael 1718

Jan Smit's etching captures a view of the Sterrenberg in the gardens of Kasteel Rosendael. Dominating the scene are the ordered rows of trees, a symbol of man's attempt to control and shape nature. Gazing upon this image, one cannot help but think of other gardens throughout history, like the formal gardens of Versailles, each reflecting humanity's desire for order amidst the chaos of the natural world. Consider the obelisk-like trees: they echo the ancient Egyptian symbol of the obelisk, representing stability, creativity, and power. These symbols, passed down through history, find new life here, in a Dutch garden. The symmetry and the carefully planned space evoke a sense of calm and control, yet, perhaps, a hint of subconscious unease – a reminder of the tension between nature's wildness and man's ambition. The image reminds us that symbols and forms are not static, and they evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings in different contexts, echoing through time.