Gezicht op Kasteel Oud-Teylingen, 1740 1750 - 1792

Hendrik Spilman created this print titled 'Gezicht op Kasteel Oud-Teylingen' in 1740. At the time, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, deeply invested in colonial expansion. The castle, depicted with meticulous detail, stands as a symbol of power and authority amidst this backdrop of global trade and social change. The ruling class solidified their status through grand displays of wealth and architectural dominance. Spilman's rendering of the castle—its imposing structure reflected in the water—evokes a sense of permanence and control. Yet, beneath the surface of this serene image, tensions simmered. The economic prosperity of the Dutch Republic was built on the exploitation of enslaved people and the resources of colonized lands. As you observe this print, consider the complex relationship between beauty, power, and social justice. What stories are not being told in this depiction of aristocratic life? And how does this image reflect the broader socio-political landscape of the 18th century?