Gezicht op kasteel Engelenburg 1741

Hendrik Spilman's "View of Engelenburg Castle" is an etching of 1745 that captures the Dutch countryside’s evolving relationship with power and leisure during the 18th century. The image presents a serene view of Engelenburg Castle, its reflection shimmering in the surrounding waters. But this isn't merely a landscape; it’s a carefully constructed tableau reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. Notice the figures on the bridge, likely members of the gentry, observing the scene. Their presence emphasizes the castle as a symbol of wealth and privilege. Spilman, as an engraver, was keenly aware of how images circulated and reinforced societal norms. This work invites us to consider how landscapes are not just passive backgrounds but active participants in shaping our understanding of identity and class. It suggests a world where power is not only exerted through land ownership but also through the ways in which that land is viewed and represented.