Landscape c. 17th century

Curator: This is a landscape etching by Willem van Nieulandt II. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The scene feels almost theatrical. The crumbling architecture and figures scattered about make me think of a stage setting, like a pastoral drama about to unfold. Curator: It's interesting you say that. Picturesque landscapes like this were fashionable during a time of immense social change. Art became a stage for exploring identity and social roles. Editor: So, was this sort of theatricality meant to mirror the societal changes? Curator: Precisely. It was about defining and exploring one's place within the social landscape. Editor: I see. It makes me wonder if we're all just actors on our own little stages. Curator: A thought to ponder on.