Gezicht op de zijkant van de nieuwe grot in de tuin van Kasteel Rosendael 1718

This is an etching made by Jan Smit around the turn of the 18th century, depicting the side of a grotto in the garden of Castle Rosendael. In the Dutch Republic at this time, private gardens were important spaces of leisure, but also as symbols of status. Aristocratic families like the one who owned Rosendael used their gardens to display wealth, taste, and power. The architecture and design of the grotto reflects this, evoking the classical world with its arches and ornamentation. Notice the artificial waterfall, a common feature in such gardens, further illustrating man's mastery over nature. This image also presents interesting questions about the relationship between art and power. Was Smit commissioned to create this print? What was its intended audience? By studying the history of landscape design and the patronage of the arts in the Dutch Republic, we can better understand the social and political context in which this image was produced and consumed.