Gezicht in het Haagse bos 1610 - 1653

Simon de Vlieger made this drawing of the Hague Forest with brush in grey and brown ink and grey wash on paper, sometime in the mid-17th century. At this time, the Dutch Republic was experiencing its Golden Age and the rising urban middle class had a voracious appetite for art. De Vlieger responded to this demand with seascapes and landscapes. Here he captured the serene atmosphere of the Hague Forest, in the west of the Netherlands, a popular destination for city dwellers. This image is full of visual codes that would have resonated with its original audience. The lone figure on the path perhaps represents the individual's relationship to nature and their place in the world. The detailed rendering of the trees reflects the growing scientific interest in botany and the natural world. The art market played an important role in shaping the artistic production of the time, and it is fair to say that the artwork represents the social and cultural values of its time. Art historians consult archival records, period publications, and other resources to better understand that time.