En borg 1598 - 1601

Jacob Savery I created this intricate line drawing, En Borg, at the close of the 16th century. Savery was working during a period of religious reformation and political upheaval which spread across Europe, impacting artistic production. Here, Savery depicts a fortified castle, a symbol of power and security. The detailed rendering provides us with insights into the architectural styles and defense strategies of the time. Yet, if we consider the castle as more than just a structure, it becomes a stage upon which the drama of daily life is played out. The figures near the entrance suggest a community bustling with commerce and social exchange. Savery’s choice to focus on this intersection of power and everyday life invites us to reflect on who has access to security and who is left vulnerable. In his delicate lines, we see an echo of the complex social structures that defined the lives of people then, just as they continue to shape our world now.