Gezicht op Sorghvliet c. 1700

Jan van Call created this print, "Gezicht op Sorghvliet," offering us a glimpse into the formal gardens and grand estate of a prominent figure in the late 17th century. It reflects a period where wealth and social status were visibly displayed through meticulously designed landscapes. The print invites us to consider the relationship between power, space, and identity. The gardens, with their ordered patterns and classical architecture, symbolize control and dominion over nature and, by extension, society. What does it mean to cultivate an environment that reflects one's social standing? This manicured landscape can be seen as a stage where the elite acted out their roles. Consider the labor and resources required to maintain such an estate. The print hints at the complex social dynamics of the time, where the opulence of a few was supported by the labor of many. It prompts us to reflect on the structures of inequality that shaped the world Van Call depicted. It is a reminder of the social and economic disparities that have historically shaped our world.