Drie vijvers in de tuinen van Villa d'Este 1675 - 1711

This is a print of the Villa d'Este gardens, made by Pieter Schenk around the turn of the 18th century. What strikes the eye is the interplay between rigid structure and organic growth. Schenk employs a formal structure through precise lines and geometric shapes to map out the gardens in a way that suggests order and control. The layout with its symmetrical arrangement of pools, plants, and architectural elements is a clear display of power over nature. A series of lines pull our eyes from the bottom left to the far distant landscape, with a multitude of social actors populating the structured scene. Note how the use of perspective flattens the depth of field, almost creating a tension between the detailed foreground and the panoramic backdrop. This technique invites viewers to decode the print's underlying codes and question traditional relationships between humanity and the natural world. Ultimately, the work challenges our perception, prompting us to reflect on the constructed nature of landscape and representation.