Oosterwijk Castle near Heukelum c. 1646 - 1647

Roelant Roghman created this drawing of Oosterwijk Castle near Heukelum using pen and brown ink, with a grey wash. Roghman was born into a time of great change in the Netherlands, as the Dutch Republic was asserting itself as a major power on the world stage. As we gaze upon this stately castle, consider how it embodies notions of power, privilege, and exclusion. Roghman's landscapes often captured the estates and properties of the wealthy elite, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. Yet, it is important to consider who is absent from this picturesque scene. The labor of countless individuals—farmers, servants, and enslaved people—sustained the lavish lifestyle of those who inhabited these grand estates. While Roghman's drawing offers a glimpse into the world of the Dutch aristocracy, it also invites us to reflect on the complexities of history and representation. How do we grapple with the beauty and grandeur of such images, while remaining mindful of the social inequalities they often obscure?