Riviergezicht met roeiboot bij Rijnsaterwoude c. 1812 - 1828

Daniël Nicolaas Chimaer van Oudendorp created this etching of a river landscape with a rowboat in Rijnsaterwoude, the Netherlands. This serene image reflects the artistic and social values of the Dutch Golden Age, particularly the emphasis on landscape as a reflection of national identity. The detailed rendering of the natural environment creates meaning through its visual codes. The tranquil waterways and pastoral setting were closely linked to the nation’s economic prosperity through trade and agriculture. To fully appreciate this etching, we need to consider the institutional context in which it was made. The art market in the Netherlands supported specialization, and artists who focused on specific genres found success. By looking into sources from the period – archival records of art sales, artists' biographies, and cultural histories of the Netherlands – we can gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions that influenced Oudendorp's artistic choices.