Die genegen is om te vaaren, / Moet hem komen hier verklaaren 1814 - 1830

This print was made by Barend Koene in Amsterdam and it depicts six ships in a naive style. The text at the top tells us that those ‘inclined to sail’ should come here. Koene was a printmaker and publisher and this print might be some kind of advert appealing to those who want to join the Dutch East India Company. This company was a powerful trading organization that dominated global commerce during the 17th and 18th centuries. It exemplifies a time when sailing to exotic locations was a way to make your fortune. Here, the Dutch flag flying on the ships becomes a potent symbol of national ambition and global reach. The image is a clear example of the intersection of art and economic power. To really dig into the world of Dutch maritime trade, consulting historical archives, trade records, and company documents would give us a deeper understanding of the relationship between art, commerce, and national identity in the Netherlands at this time.