Landschap met twee zuilen, herders en reizigers 1613 - 1666

Nicolas Perelle made this print, "Landschap met twee zuilen, herders en reizigers," in the 17th century using etching. Perelle, the son of a printmaker, produced numerous landscapes that reflect an era marked by exploration and the establishment of colonial power. This work, which translates to "Landscape with two columns, shepherds and travelers," evokes the spirit of classical antiquity and a sense of the pastoral. This interest in the ancient world was a hallmark of European art and intellectual life at the time, yet it's hard not to notice how this idyllic vision often served to mask the realities of empire. The presence of the "travelers" hints at the constant movement and exchange characteristic of a globalizing world. It prompts us to reflect on the perspective of those who are depicted traveling *through* this landscape. The emotional pull of this image lies in its promise of a harmonious world. This artwork invites us to consider the relationship between our longing for an ideal and our awareness of a more complex reality.