Gezicht op rechthuis en herberg Het Zwarte Varken 1718 - 1757

This is an engraving of the Rechtshuis and the inn Het Zwarte Varken in Maarssen, created by an anonymous artist. This detailed landscape offers a glimpse into Dutch society, perhaps during the late 17th or early 18th century. The inn, prominently displayed, suggests a culture that values social gathering. The presence of the Rechtshuis, or courthouse, alongside it speaks to the intersection of everyday life and the judicial system. The detailed depiction of figures engaged in various activities, from leisurely strolls to boating, paints a picture of a vibrant community, but it also implies a certain class structure. Who has the leisure time to spend at an Inn? Who is working? There's a palpable sense of place, yet also a certain emotional distance. The artist doesn’t seem interested in expressing an individual's feelings, but is more interested in documenting a scene. The engraving opens a window into the social fabric of the Netherlands.