Landschap met huis 1623 - 1652

Cornelis van Kittensteyn created this small etching, “Landscape with House,” in the 17th century, a period when the Dutch Republic was expanding its global power. Born in Leiden, Kittensteyn’s landscapes are often stark, featuring unidealized scenes. The house in this print is ramshackle, and the trees are sparse. The artist used etching to create a sense of light and depth, but he also captured a certain roughness in the natural world. This etching is not simply a picturesque view; it reflects the environmental and human impact of Dutch expansion. As Dutch traders and settlers sought resources, landscapes were altered, and communities displaced. I am drawn to the two figures in the right corner of the print. They seem to be observing the scene, perhaps contemplating their place within it. Their presence invites us to reflect on our own relationship with the land.