Landschap met ruiter 1783

Johannes Janson created this landscape with rider using etching techniques sometime in the 18th century. This seemingly innocuous pastoral scene offers a glimpse into the complex social hierarchy of the time, reflecting the privileges and power dynamics inherent in the Dutch Golden Age. Consider the figures depicted: a man on horseback points into the distance, while two men on foot follow with hunting dogs. Who has access to leisure, mobility, and authority? The man on horseback clearly belongs to the ruling class. The working class is represented by the men on foot. Think about the ways in which landscapes often served as stages for performances of class and dominance. Janson invites us to reflect on the social structures that shape our interactions with the natural world, as well as the subtle ways in which power is inscribed within seemingly idyllic scenes.