Berglandschap met reizigers, vrachtezels, marskramers en nonnen 1603 - 1650

This landscape scene, populated with travelers, mules, merchants, and nuns, was etched by Matthäus Merian the Elder in the 17th century. The image captures a world in motion, a society on the move for trade, spiritual seeking, or perhaps, simply survival. The presence of both religious figures and merchants invites us to consider the intersection of faith and commerce in the early modern period. The artist's detailed rendering of each figure raises questions about their respective roles and status within this society. Are the nuns portrayed as pious pilgrims, or are they also implicated in the economic exchanges of the time? How do we interpret the presence of laborers carrying goods? Merian’s work reflects the era’s complex relationship with nature, portraying it not just as a backdrop, but as an active participant in human affairs, shaping destinies and dictating the terms of travel and trade. Ultimately, the artwork offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, highlighting the diverse experiences that shaped the cultural landscape of the 17th century.