Ingang van het bos 1630 - 1663

Anthonie Waterloo created this etching, titled ‘Ingang van het bos’ or ‘Entrance to the forest’, sometime in the 17th century. In the Dutch Golden Age, there was a growing interest in landscape art, reflecting a changing relationship between people and the natural world. As cities expanded and trade flourished, the wilderness became increasingly romanticized. Etchings like this allowed artists to reproduce and distribute their work widely, making art more accessible to a broader audience. Waterloo's detailed depiction of the forest entrance invites viewers to contemplate the mysteries and possibilities that lie within. The artist’s signature in the lower left corner is a reminder of the growing importance of artistic identity and the art market. To understand this artwork better, we can look at historical texts and records to learn more about the artistic conventions, economic structures, and cultural values of the time.