Rivierlandschap met brug met vijf bogen 1613 - 1695

Nicolas Perelle created this river landscape with a five-arched bridge sometime in the 17th century using etching. The artwork reflects a period of significant social stratification, a divide that is evident in the ways that landscapes were idealized and represented in art. Here, Perelle presents us with a picturesque scene of ruins, nature, and pastoral life. The shepherd and his animals remind us of labor. The contrast between the detailed foreground and the fading background gives a sense of depth but may also reflect social distances of the time. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between those who inhabit and work the land, and those who may view it from a distance. Consider how this image, while seemingly serene, subtly comments on the social dynamics of its time. It prompts us to think about who has access to the land, and at what cost.