Gezicht op het Hof Valkenberg 1743 - 1744

This is B.F. Immink's, "Gezicht op het Hof Valkenberg", a drawing that captures a bird's-eye view of the Valkenberg estate. The precise date remains unknown, yet the work invites us to consider the world that shaped its creation. Back then, estates like Valkenberg were potent symbols of wealth and power, reflecting the rigid social hierarchy of the time. As you observe the figures strolling through the meticulously designed gardens, consider the world of leisure and privilege afforded to the elite, in contrast to those who labored to maintain such estates. This was a society where one’s identity was deeply entwined with their social class. These manicured gardens can be viewed not only as spaces of beauty but also as statements of control over nature, mirroring the control exerted over society. How does viewing such a carefully constructed scene make you feel?