Ruïnes bij een meer 1605 - 1673

Lucas van Uden created this print, ‘Ruins by a Lake,’ sometime between 1615 and 1673 using etching. Van Uden, a Flemish artist, lived during a period marked by significant social and political upheaval, including the Eighty Years' War. In this print, the ruins evoke the passage of time and the transience of human achievements. Such imagery served as a memento mori, reminding viewers of the impermanence of life. Yet, the shepherd with his flock introduces a contrasting theme: the continuity of pastoral life amidst historical decay. The serene landscape invites reflection on the relationship between humanity, history, and nature. The presence of ruins can also be seen as an allegory for the political and religious conflicts of the time, where established structures were crumbling, and new orders were emerging. This print captures a quiet moment of contemplation. It's a scene that blends the weight of history with the simple, enduring rhythms of rural existence.