Warship Firing a Cannon Shot c. 18th century

Curator: This delicate print, "Warship Firing a Cannon Shot," is by Cornelis Ploos van Amstel, born in 1726. The print now resides at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's surprisingly dynamic, given its size. The cannon smoke is especially evocative. Curator: Ploos van Amstel was renowned for his innovative printmaking techniques. He was able to imitate drawings by old masters. Editor: The materiality is quite striking, you can tell it's a Dutch warship. I'm curious how the image reflects the naval power of the Dutch Republic. Curator: Absolutely. Prints like these circulated widely, shaping public perceptions of naval strength and international trade. Editor: Considering the labor involved in building and manning these ships, it's amazing how elegantly it's rendered. Curator: Indeed, seeing it through the lens of craftsmanship and historical context enriches our understanding. Editor: It certainly does. The print's detail and the artist's skill are what stand out to me the most.