Gezicht op het kasteel van Duffel bij Antwerpen 17th century

Franz Ertinger created this print of the Gezicht op het kasteel van Duffel bij Antwerpen, or View of Duffel Castle near Antwerp, sometime in the mid to late 17th century. Here, Ertinger offers us a view of the moated castle and its surrounding landscape, complete with figures enjoying the river. As we consider this idyllic scene, let’s think about the function of landscape imagery during this time. Then, as now, landscape imagery served multiple purposes. On the one hand, landscapes reflected a growing sense of national and regional identity, and the pride associated with it. Yet, landscape imagery also reflects power dynamics, representing land as property, shaped by those with the means to own it. The castle in this print then stands as a testament to the wealth and influence of its owners. Consider how the artist's choices contribute to a sense of place and belonging, but also to a sense of social hierarchy.