Tweede deel van een plattegrond van Beeckesteijn, met gezichten op de bouwwerken op het landgoed, bestaande uit twee delen 1772

Caspar Jacobsz Philips created this drawing, "Tweede deel van een plattegrond van Beeckesteijn, met gezichten op de bouwwerken op het landgoed, bestaande uit twee delen," in the late 18th century. During this period, the Dutch elite enjoyed the prosperity of global trade and invested in elaborate country estates like Beeckesteijn. This drawing provides a glimpse into that world. Here, the geometric precision of the garden design reflects a desire to control nature, mirroring the social hierarchies of the time. The carefully planned vistas and ornamental structures were designed to impress visitors and reinforce the owner's status. Yet, there is an emotional element at play. The gardens were also a place of leisure and escape, a retreat from the bustling city. As you look at the drawing, consider the labor and resources required to maintain such a place. While the elite strolled through these gardens, countless others worked to create and sustain them. This drawing serves as a reminder of the complex social dynamics at play during the Dutch Golden Age.