Gezicht op Angenstein 1810

This is an anonymous drawing of Angenstein Castle. Its creation emerges from a time when landscape art was often used to assert power and ownership over land. What strikes me about this image is how it positions the castle – a clear symbol of authority – within the broader landscape. Note the lone figure in the foreground, dwarfed by the scale of the architecture and the natural surroundings. They are on foot, and seem to be a worker, while horses are used to carry things across the bridge. The artist seems to be making a statement about the relationship between humanity, power, and the land. Consider what it means to depict a landscape. Who is invited to enjoy the view, and who is excluded? How does the artist's perspective shape our understanding of the space? Ultimately, this drawing invites us to reflect on the ways in which landscapes are not just physical spaces, but are also imbued with social, political, and personal meanings.