Het huis Vrijburg 1730

"Het huis Vrijburg" is a drawing made by Abraham de Haen II, dating back to the 18th century. De Haen offers us a serene view of Vrijburg house, capturing the Dutch landscape with delicate strokes. In this era, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, but its society was also deeply structured by class and privilege. Houses like Vrijburg were symbols of wealth and status, owned by the elite who profited from global trade, including the trade of enslaved people. Think about how the tranquil scene belies the complex social realities and economic systems of the time. The very ground on which such houses stood was often cultivated through the labor of those with little to no power. De Haen invites us to reflect on the layers of history embedded in this landscape. While we admire the artistry, we can also consider the stories of those whose lives were intertwined with these places, both seen and unseen.