Zeegezicht 1708 - 1781

Pieter Idserts created this seascapes drawing with pen in the 18th century. At this time, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, with ships crisscrossing the globe for trade and naval dominance. Here, Idserts captures a vast expanse of the ocean in great detail. The churning waves and overcast sky evoke the challenges of seafaring life, and the ships in the distance remind us of the Netherlands' economic and military strength. It seems to serve as a symbol of Dutch identity and power. We can research archives, and shipping records to find out about the artist’s relationship to the sea. Considering social and institutional history, the seascape serves to remind us that art does not exist in a vacuum, but reflects the social, political, and economic realities of its time.