Slot te Laag-Keppel Possibly 1866 - 1868

Jan Striening captured Slot te Laag-Keppel with graphite on paper, and dated it August 27, 1866. Striening, working in the 19th century, lived in a time when the Netherlands was undergoing significant transformation, grappling with its colonial past and emerging national identity. This sketch, with its delicate lines, transports us to the Dutch countryside, offering a glimpse into the architecture and landscape that shaped local identity. The castle, or "Slot," stands as a symbol of power and history, evoking both pride and perhaps, for some, memories of feudalism. Striening's choice to depict this scene invites reflection on the relationship between history and place, and how buildings and land become intertwined with collective memory and belonging. It is a reminder of how the places we inhabit carry the weight of the past, influencing our understanding of who we are.