Toegangspoort tot het landgoed van Huis ter Nieuburch te Rijswijk 1697

This print of the entrance gate to Huis ter Nieuburch in Rijswijk was made by Pieter Schenk, around the turn of the 18th century. It’s an etching, a process that involves biting lines into a metal plate with acid, inking it, and running it through a press. The etched lines are clearly visible, especially in the trees, which have a feathery quality, and in the woven curtains that frame the view into the estate. Look closely, and you’ll see that these lines are not mechanically uniform, but rather responsive to the artist’s hand. The etching process allowed Schenk to translate the grandeur of this estate – carriage approaching at speed – into a medium that could be widely reproduced and distributed. Prints like this one played an important role in promoting the image of wealthy landowners, showcasing their status in a way that was both artistic and commercial. It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple images are the product of skilled labor, material processes, and social context.