Zeeslag voor Duinkerken, 1639 1848 - 1855

Petrus Johannes Schotel created this print, “Zeeslag voor Duinkerken, 1639,” sometime in the 19th century. It depicts a naval battle that took place in 1639 during the Eighty Years' War, where the Dutch Republic fought for independence from Spain. In this scene, the clash of ships becomes a stage for asserting power, where the identities and fates of individuals are secondary to national interests. As you look closer, consider the lives of the sailors, mostly men, caught in this theatre of war. Their personal stories, often lost to the grand narratives of conflict, reflect the human cost of political ambition. Schotel invites us to reflect on how these historical events shape our understanding of national identity and power. As we gaze at the ships engulfed in battle, let us not forget the stories of those who experienced the real human impact of war.