Gezicht van de Bezuidenhoutseweg in Den Haag 1756

Iven Besoet made this print of the Bezuidenhoutseweg in The Hague, in 1756. It offers us a glimpse into the social and urban fabric of the Dutch Republic during the mid-eighteenth century. The image presents an ordered, tranquil scene of daily life. On the left, we see residences of the well-to-do, while figures stroll along a tree-lined canal on the right. The careful rendering of perspective and the inclusion of figures engaged in leisurely activities create a sense of harmony and prosperity. Such prints served not only as records of urban development, but also as tools for shaping public perception. This was the era of the Dutch Enlightenment, when ideas about civic virtue and the common good were gaining traction among the Dutch elite. Prints like this one played a role in promoting these values and in celebrating the achievements of Dutch society. To fully understand this artwork, historians can delve into period maps, municipal records, and personal archives. These sources can shed light on the social relations, economic activities, and cultural values that shaped the Dutch Republic.