Gezicht op een binnenplaats van het Real Alcázar te Sevilla 1694 - 1737

Pieter van den Berge made this print of a courtyard in the Alcázar of Seville using etching and engraving techniques. The Alcázar embodies a fascinating history of cultural and political change. Originally developed by the Moors, it showcases Islamic architectural styles, as the print makes apparent. Yet, after the Christian reconquest of Spain, it became a royal residence and underwent renovations that incorporated Gothic and Renaissance elements. Looking at this image, we can see a visual statement of the cultural complexities of 18th-century Spain. Van den Berge, a Dutch artist, renders this Spanish scene for a European audience, catering to a growing interest in foreign landscapes and architecture. It is the role of historians to decipher the layers of meaning embedded in such images, considering the perspectives of the artist, the patrons, and the audiences who engaged with the work. By consulting historical records, travel accounts, and architectural studies, we can deepen our understanding of the cultural dialogues that shaped the artistic landscape of the time.