Buitenhof met gezicht op het Stadhouderlijk kwartier in Den Haag c. 1788

Joseph-Alexandre Le Campion created this print of Buitenhof, The Hague. The work provides us with a glimpse into the political and social landscape of the Netherlands during the late 18th century. The Stadhouderlijk quarter, depicted here, was the center of power during a time of political upheaval and shifting national identities. The French inscription reveals the cultural exchanges and the prevalence of French language among the Dutch elite. Consider the emotional undercurrent of this seemingly serene landscape. Le Campion, who died young, perhaps captured a longing for stability amidst a world on the brink of change. This print invites us to reflect on how power structures are visualized and how they influence our sense of place and belonging. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly neutral landscapes are laden with political and cultural meaning.