Gezicht op Dillenburg 1728

Editor: We’re looking at an engraving from 1728 titled *Gezicht op Dillenburg,* or *View of Dillenburg*, currently residing at the Rijksmuseum, created by an anonymous artist. It reminds me a bit of a medieval tapestry, all tightly packed detail, but very two-dimensional. What stands out to you? Curator: The beauty lies, perhaps ironically, in its supposed 'flatness'. It presents the city as both impenetrable fortress and idyllic landscape simultaneously, a precarious balance if you think about it. Do you get a sense of the political climate perhaps influencing how the engraver chose to depict it? Editor: Hmm, good point! I hadn't considered that. Maybe the almost bird's-eye perspective, emphasizing the walls and layout, was about asserting dominance or projecting an image of power? Curator: Exactly! And see how the artist layers the landscape to create a sense of depth. Almost as though each tier of trees or rooftops is shouting for attention. But, despite this activity it is peaceful. Editor: Yes! It's intriguing how the landscape almost softens the architecture, balancing power with... well, a rather lovely view, despite it not really feeling three-dimensional. Curator: Ultimately, for me it is the precision married with the overall impact, its capacity to freeze a moment and speak volumes across centuries, like whispers from the past etched in delicate lines. I'll keep coming back to consider the politics that might have underpinned the artwork! Thanks. Editor: Definitely given me a new perspective. I initially viewed it as "flat", but seeing the layering, and the power dynamics makes the engraving so much richer and, actually, engaging!