Gezicht op landgoed Stavsund 1690 - 1696

Willem Swidde made this print of the Estate of Stavsund in the late 17th century using etching. It presents us with an idealized image of Swedish aristocracy, focusing on the geometry of the gardens. Here, the social status of the estate owner is reflected in their domination over nature. The rigid lines of the water features and manicured hedges stand in contrast to the wild, hilly landscape in the background. The Estate becomes a symbol of power and control. The image also creates meaning through its medium: printmaking, since prints were relatively cheap to produce and able to reach a wide audience in Dutch society, they were often used to spread political ideas. To understand this image better, we can consult historical maps of the area, estate records, and genealogical information about the owners of the Stavsund Estate. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.