Gezicht op het Kartuizerklooster Scheut, nabij Brussel 1727 - 1734

Jacobus Harrewijn created this print of the Gezicht op het Kartuizerklooster Scheut, near Brussels, using etching around the turn of the 18th century. The image shows the Carthusian monastery, a place of religious seclusion, but its creation and circulation point to the complex social and institutional role of art in that period. In this bird's-eye view, Harrewijn meticulously renders the architectural details of the monastery and its surrounding landscape, showcasing the order and structure of this religious community. The location of the monastery near Brussels connects it to the political and economic dynamics of the region. During this time, the Southern Netherlands were under Habsburg rule, and religious institutions played a significant role in the social fabric. Prints like this one served not only as records of such institutions, but also as affirmations of the established social order. Understanding this work fully requires us to delve into the history of printmaking, religious orders, and the political context of the region. We can consult archives, historical records, and scholarly publications to uncover the layers of meaning embedded in this image.