Gezicht op Rhenen 1730

Abraham Zeeman made this print, 'View of Rhenen', in the Netherlands in the first half of the 18th century. Here, the image shows a distant view of the city of Rhenen, complete with its fortifications, buildings, and a prominent church tower. Made during the Dutch Golden Age, the print reflects the period's fascination with urban landscapes and civic identity. The inclusion of working-class figures in the foreground is typical of Dutch art, and serves to emphasize the society that the city serves. The production of such views served to reinforce a sense of local pride and belonging and played a role in shaping cultural identity. By studying maps, archives, and other visual materials, we can better understand the social and cultural significance of this representation of Rhenen. Zeeman’s print reminds us that art is always embedded in a specific social and institutional context, and its meaning is contingent on the historical circumstances of its creation.