Twee schetsen van een tuin met een vijver, op de voorgrond een openstaand hek 1715 - 1798

This is a graphite drawing titled 'Two sketches of a garden with a pond, in the foreground an open gate', made by Dionys van Nijmegen in the 18th century. Van Nijmegen, born in 1705, lived during a time of social stratification, where gardens became symbols of status and power. This drawing offers a glimpse into the world of the wealthy, who had the means to cultivate idealized landscapes. Note the open gate in the foreground, which can be interpreted as an invitation, but also an expression of the owner's dominion. The pond, the carefully arranged flora, and the classical architecture reflect an aesthetic and control over nature, which was accessible only to a privileged few. What do you think about the fact that art gives us access to glimpses of other people's lives in different periods of history? Think about that when you consider the role of gardens in Dutch society at this time.