Zeilboot 1797 - 1838

Johannes Christiaan Schotel made this pencil drawing, "Zeilboot," in the Netherlands during the early 19th century. Schotel was known for his marine paintings, capturing the essence of Dutch maritime life. The drawing’s focus on a sailboat connects to the Netherlands' deep relationship with the sea. Dutch economic power in the 17th and 18th centuries was intimately tied to shipbuilding and maritime trade. Schotel’s sketches, like this one, were often studies for larger paintings and reflect the importance of the shipping industry in Dutch society and culture. Art historians can learn more about the economic and social context in which Schotel produced "Zeilboot" by studying the archives of Dutch shipping companies and the records of Dutch maritime museums. The drawing is both a beautiful work of art, and a window into the history of the Netherlands.