Gezicht op Paleis Het Loo over de oprijlaan 1689 - 1702

Laurens Scherm created this print of the Paleis Het Loo, using etching techniques, at the turn of the 18th century. The print depicts the palace as seen through the grand avenue, a perspective carefully constructed to convey power and prestige. Consider the historical context: The Netherlands was a major European power, deeply engaged in trade and colonialism. Scherm's portrayal of the palace, therefore, isn't just a landscape, it’s a statement of Dutch identity and national pride. The formal, geometric arrangement of trees and the imposing architecture reflect a desire to control and order nature. The figures, dwarfed by their surroundings, suggest the overwhelming presence of the ruling class. How might those excluded from such spaces – the poor, the colonized, women – have viewed this image? The print is both a celebration of Dutch achievement and a testament to the social hierarchies of the time.