Gezicht op Alkmaar 1746 - 1747

This is Jan Punt’s panoramic view of Alkmaar, made with etching. The artwork offers a glimpse into the 18th-century Dutch Republic, a period marked by economic prosperity and burgeoning civic identity. Here, Punt navigates the conventions of landscape art while subtly engaging with contemporary social dynamics. In this seemingly serene vista, who has the privilege to be represented and whose stories remain untold? The meticulous detail given to the architecture and the pastoral scenes stands in contrast to the absence of diverse human figures. This absence prompts us to consider the role of visibility and representation in shaping collective memory and power structures. While the landscape appears timeless, it reflects a specific moment in history, one where class distinctions and economic activities shaped the very land we see before us. Isn't it interesting how a landscape can speak volumes about the society that inhabits it, or, perhaps, the society that it obscures?