Kasteel Longuetoise vanaf een heuvel 1648 - 1672

Albert Flamen created this print of Kasteel Longuetoise sometime in the 17th century. It gives us a glimpse into the hierarchical world of that time. Castles, like the one depicted here, were not just buildings, but symbols of power, control, and the feudal system that defined much of Europe. This image would have been consumed by an audience familiar with, and likely complicit in, these social structures. The castle stands elevated, both literally on a hill and figuratively in its representation of aristocratic privilege. But look closer. The detailed rendering of the landscape, the trees, the hills, suggests a growing interest in the natural world, an interest that would eventually challenge the dominance of the aristocratic class. The tiny figures walking in the distance hint at the lives of ordinary people, people tied to the land and to the castle, yet beginning to occupy their own space within the frame. This artwork reminds us to consider the complex interplay between power, identity, and place. It prompts us to reflect on who is included and excluded from the dominant narratives.