Duinlandschap 1886

This is Elias Stark's "Duinlandschap", or "Dune Landscape", an etching now held at the Rijksmuseum. Stark, who lived from the mid-19th to the early 20th century, was working during a time of great social change. The Dutch landscape carries with it a weighty history. It's a place that evokes a sense of national identity, deeply connected to notions of land, labor, and belonging. Stark’s choice to depict this scene then, isn't just about capturing a pretty view. Instead, it invites us to consider our relationship to the land and its historical context. What stories do these landscapes tell us about the people who have lived and worked here? How do class and labor relations shape our understanding of the land? These are just some of the questions that come to mind as we reflect on this evocative etching. As you stand here with Stark's work, contemplate the emotional and personal connections we have to our surroundings.