Kasteel met slotgracht 17th century

This is an anonymous drawing of a "Kasteel met slotgracht" at the Rijksmuseum, made with pen in brown ink. Castles, historically symbols of power and privilege, evoke a complex mix of emotions tied to social hierarchy. The presence of a moat around the castle suggests isolation and protection from outsiders. Who inhabited this space, and what kind of power did they wield? How did the surrounding community perceive the castle and its inhabitants? Consider the identities and social positions of those who lived within the castle walls versus those who were excluded, and how this dynamic would have shaped their daily lives and interactions. The image invites us to reflect on the realities of life during the time when castles were central to social and political structures, while considering the legacy of inequality and privilege that persists in contemporary society.