Inside the dutch garden: Prince Frederick Hendrik and Honselaarsdijk

Abstract

Introduction The gardens of Honselaarsdijk constructed by Prince of Orange Frederik Hendrik (1584–1647) enjoy an unusual position in the history ofDutch garden architecture (figure I). Although generally acknowledged to be a key environment of the period, most accounts of Dutch garden history relegate the Honselaarsdijk gardens to a sideline position. They are perceived as being early, marginal precursors to the magnificent grounds built later in Holland, such as those constructed under William III at Paleis het Loo. As evidence, the ‘rigidity’ of their design is compared unfavourably with grand and exciting Baroque trends in the seventeenth century.1 Despite the presence of famed French designer Andre Mollet at Honselaarsdijk between 1633 and 1635, these gardens remain peripheral to the historical narrative of European gardens.