Gezicht op de tuin van buitenplaats Otterspoor aan de Vecht bij Maarssen 1719

Daniël Stopendaal created this print of the Otterspoor garden along the Vecht River, showcasing a meticulous composition of geometric forms. Notice how the artist has used linear perspective to draw your eye into the depths of the garden. The print neatly balances nature and artifice. The clipped hedges on either side create a sense of enclosure, their rigid geometry contrasting with the more naturalistic rendering of the trees in the central axis. This interplay between controlled form and organic growth reflects broader philosophical concerns of the period, where the garden becomes a stage for exploring the relationship between humanity and nature. Consider how Stopendaal employs line and texture to differentiate the various elements within the garden. The delicate lines of the trees contrast with the denser textures of the hedges, creating a rich visual experience. This formal quality underscores the ordered, idealized view of nature, characteristic of formal garden design.