Ingang van het bos Possibly 1630 - 1765

Anthonie Waterloo made this etching, "Entrance to the Woods", in the Netherlands sometime in the 17th century. It presents an idyllic view of nature. But such a seemingly straightforward image of a forest actually speaks volumes about the shifting cultural values of its time. In the Dutch Golden Age, landscape art wasn't just about pretty scenery. It reflected a growing sense of national identity and pride in the Dutch countryside, particularly after the country's independence. Also, the rise of a wealthy merchant class created a demand for art that celebrated their connection to the land. What’s interesting is that landscape art, like this, played a role in shaping how people perceived their environment. To truly understand this print, we delve into the social and institutional contexts that shaped its creation. By exploring archival material and historical documents, we reveal how artists like Waterloo contributed to the evolving relationship between art, society, and the natural world.