Landgoed Overcinge te Havelte Possibly 1732 - 1737

This drawing depicts Landgoed Overcinge in Havelte, and was made by Abraham de Haen the Younger, who was active during the 18th century. De Haen's artistic practice provides a glimpse into the social and cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by economic prosperity and colonial expansion. This drawing captures a moment in the life of the Dutch elite, whose wealth was often built on the exploitation of enslaved people. The Overcinge estate, with its manicured gardens and imposing architecture, stands as a symbol of power and privilege of a select few, against the backdrop of systemic oppression and the forced labor of enslaved people. De Haen's work invites us to consider the complex relationship between art, history, and social justice. His images of opulence and leisure ask us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are silenced. The drawing ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of wealth and power, urging us to confront the legacies of colonialism and slavery in our contemporary world.