Gezicht op Hofstede Zonnestein 1730

Abraham Rademaker created this print depicting the Hofstede Zonnestein, or Zonnestein Manor, in the early 18th century. It offers us a glimpse into the leisure and privilege enjoyed by the Dutch elite during the Golden Age. The manor belonged to Madame Geertruy Fama, and Rademaker meticulously captures the estate's manicured gardens and grand architecture. However, this idealized image obscures the historical context of Dutch prosperity, which was deeply intertwined with colonialism and exploitation. The wealth that enabled Madame Fama to possess such an estate was, in part, derived from the suffering of others. The figures in the print appear to be leisurely enjoying the grounds, but their comfort is predicated on a system of inequality. Rademaker's print invites us to consider the complex layers of history embedded within seemingly serene landscapes. While the artwork celebrates the grandeur of the Dutch elite, it also serves as a reminder of the ethical questions that arise when we examine the foundations of wealth and privilege.