Achterzijde van Paleis Huis ten Bosch in Den Haag 1869 - 1892

Anton L. Koster created this print of the Achterzijde van Paleis Huis ten Bosch in Den Haag. During Koster's lifetime, from 1859 to 1937, The Netherlands underwent significant transformations, grappling with industrialization, urbanization, and shifts in social structures. This print offers a glimpse into the spatial and social relationships with power, depicting the palace, a potent symbol of Dutch royalty, from its rear. Consider how the perspective and composition might influence our understanding of authority and access. Is the artist inviting us to consider alternative narratives or lesser-known aspects? The choice to portray the back of the palace invites reflection on the nature of power, and who is allowed access to it. Think about the emotional subtext of the scene. The artist gently prompts us to reflect on the relationship between visibility, power, and the hidden aspects of institutional authority.