Landschap met een door water omgeven kasteel before 1676

Pieter van der Borcht I created this landscape with a moated castle, rendered as an engraving, sometime between 1545 and 1608. This work offers a glimpse into the societal values and aesthetic preferences of the late 16th century. The detailed depiction of the castle, set amidst an idealized landscape, reflects the era's fascination with order, control, and the display of wealth. Note how the landscape, with its rolling hills and strategically placed trees, is as much a statement of power as the castle itself. The surrounding figures and activities hint at the social hierarchy of the time. However, there's a certain tension at play. While the castle represents stability and authority, the landscape teems with everyday life. I wonder, did van der Borcht intend to celebrate the harmony between the ruling class and the working class, or subtly hint at the disparities between them? How do we reconcile the idealization of the landscape with the realities of life?