Haven met het standbeeld van Neptunus 1650 - 1695

Anthony van Zijlvelt made this etching of a harbor with a statue of Neptune sometime between 1658 and 1715. It’s a work that shows the influence of Dutch Golden Age art. The etching depicts an idealized vision of maritime power and commerce, symbolized by the statue of Neptune, Roman god of the sea, overlooking a bustling harbor scene. In the 17th century, the Netherlands experienced a surge in trade and naval power. The Dutch East India Company, established in 1602, played a pivotal role in expanding Dutch influence across the globe. This etching reflects the values of this era, emphasizing the importance of maritime trade for Dutch prosperity and national identity. As an art historian, the challenge is to study the imagery of Dutch maritime trade, referencing archival sources and material culture to investigate the values and cultural practices of the 17th century.