Gezicht op Sloten 1637 - 1677

Roelant Roghman created this print, "Gezicht op Sloten," sometime in the mid-17th century. Roghman was working during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of unprecedented economic, scientific, and artistic growth in the Netherlands. This etching is more than just a landscape; it’s a glimpse into the complex relationship between the Dutch people and their land. During this time, the Dutch identity was closely tied to the landscape, and artists like Roghman played a crucial role in shaping and reflecting this national consciousness. "Gezicht op Sloten" presents an idealized vision of Dutch rural life. The figures going about their daily routines, the church standing as a central point, and the serene natural environment all contribute to a sense of harmony and order. But it also prompts a consideration of who is included and who is excluded from this idyllic scene. Whose labor and experiences are rendered invisible in this seemingly tranquil image? The print invites us to reflect on the stories that landscapes can tell, and the histories they often conceal.