Fregat de Ruijter liggend in de haven te Antwerpen 1847 - 1874

Johan Conrad Greive created this lithograph of the Fregat de Ruijter in the port of Antwerp in the 19th century. Greive was a Dutch artist known for his cityscapes and marine scenes, capturing the spirit of the Dutch maritime tradition. During this period, the Netherlands was consolidating its identity as a modern nation, proud of its naval history and commercial prowess. This cultural pride is palpable in Greive's detailed depiction of the ship, which seems to symbolize national strength. But, what about those who built and sailed these ships? What were their lives like? Who were they? The print invites us to consider the labor and lives of the sailors and workers, and what their roles were within this image of national pride. Greive’s composition makes us reflect on the relationship between national identity, labor, and the sea. The image becomes a window into the complex intersections of Dutch society.