Gezichten op Zwartsluis en Hasselt Possibly 1732 - 1736

Abraham de Haen II made this pen and ink drawing of Gezichten op Zwartsluis en Hasselt. The subtle landscape images depicting two towns in the Netherlands capture a cultural moment. Made sometime in the first half of the 18th century, these views are typical of the period's fascination with topography. Artists like Haen were mapping the world around them, depicting cities and villages. Note how the church tower dominates each town's skyline, a visual reminder of the central role of religion in the Dutch Republic. The waterways were critical arteries for trade and communication. By depicting them prominently, Haen underscores their economic importance. These sketches would have served a purpose, perhaps for a more finished painting or print. To understand them better, we might consult period maps, city records, and travel journals. Only by understanding the social and institutional context can we fully appreciate these seemingly simple drawings.