Twee gezichten op Kasteel Ter Hooge, 1743 1754 - 1792

"Twee gezichten op Kasteel Ter Hooge," or "Two Views of Ter Hooge Castle," was made in 1743 by Hendrik Spilman. Through etching, Spilman offers us glimpses into the 18th-century Dutch countryside, but also into the era’s complex social hierarchy. Castles, like the one depicted here, were not just residences; they were potent symbols of power and wealth. Spilman’s choice to present two different perspectives invites us to consider how perceptions of power can shift depending on one's vantage point. Note the figures in the top image, likely members of the aristocracy, who seem almost dwarfed by their surroundings. Are they observers or occupants? Spilman's work subtly acknowledges the intersection of land ownership, social class, and visibility. The detailed rendering of the castle against the backdrop of nature encourages us to reflect on how these structures shape not only the physical landscape but also the social one. The quiet stillness of the scene evokes a sense of longing.