Schepen voor de gesloten ingang van een haven 1614 - 1618

Cornelis Claesz. van Wieringen created this etching of ships before a closed harbor entrance sometime between 1581 and 1633. During this period, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, deeply involved in global trade and naval conflicts. This small print captures a moment of tension between land and sea. Van Wieringen focuses on themes of access and restriction. The closed harbor suggests a moment of impasse, a pause in the constant flow of maritime activity. The detailed rendering of the ships contrasts with the more roughly sketched background. This places emphasis on the tools of maritime trade, and perhaps symbolizes the importance of ships and trade to Dutch identity and economy. The print encapsulates the complexities of maritime life during the Dutch Golden Age, reflecting the power, economic importance, and the ever-present risks associated with seafaring.