Bro ved Maarssen 1625 - 1657

Geertruyt Roghman made this print of a bridge near Maarssen using etching techniques. The image offers us a glimpse into the cultural and economic landscape of the Netherlands during the mid-17th century. Notice how the bridge itself becomes a focal point, a symbol of connection and commerce in a nation reliant on its waterways. The presence of figures leisurely strolling along the path suggests a society experiencing relative peace and prosperity. Roghman was working at a time of unprecedented economic growth for the Netherlands, and it fostered a growing middle class with the means to acquire art. To truly understand Roghman's work, we can look into the archives of local historical societies for insight into the role of infrastructure in the economic life of the Netherlands. We can consider how Dutch landscape prints served as both documentation and celebration of national identity. The meaning of art is always tied to the social conditions of its time.