Gezicht op Kleef c. 1825

"Gezicht op Kleef," or "View of Cleves," is a landscape created by Guillaume Philidor van den Burggraaff through etching. Born in 1790, van den Burggraaff lived during a time of significant political and social upheaval in Europe, including the Napoleonic Wars and the rise of nationalism. This etching shows a seemingly idyllic scene with the town of Cleves in the background. Two figures are seated in the lower left corner, while a cow stands peacefully nearby. What does it mean to capture a landscape during times of conflict? How does the artistic rendering of rural life shape notions of regional identity and belonging, especially in the face of war? Images like these can be understood as expressions of cultural identity. They highlight the emotional connection people have to their homelands. It serves as a reminder of the enduring presence of history in the land. It invites us to reflect on how our sense of place shapes our identities.