Ships on a Calm Sea after 1790

Editor: Here we have Martinus Schouman's "Ships on a Calm Sea," likely created after 1790. It’s a drawing rendered in pencil, chalk, and ink. I’m struck by its stillness; the soft greyscale palette really contributes to this tranquil mood. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The calmness you perceive reflects a very particular vision of maritime power and trade. Look closely at the ships; their size and number were potent symbols of Dutch commercial dominance at the time. Note, for instance, how the massive ships loom in the background as symbols of economic and political power, overshadowing the men in the smaller boat. Do you notice that? Editor: I see it now. It's almost like they're dwarfed by the ships, maybe representing their reliance on them. Curator: Precisely. Schouman uses these vessels almost as characters. They carry collective hopes, fears, and anxieties about overseas ventures. Consider also the single shark fin visible on the far right – does that contribute to the idea of a ‘calm sea?' Editor: That’s a good point! I suppose that small element of danger hints at the risks associated with maritime life, despite the tranquil surface. Curator: It underscores the constant negotiation between prosperity and peril inherent to seafaring and Dutch national identity during that period. This is how Schouman captures both. Editor: I see how the symbolism brings a lot of depth to what seems like a straightforward scene. Curator: Indeed, by understanding how these symbols worked together, we can start to see how this deceptively tranquil work shows us the emotional landscape tied to the era. Editor: Thank you for drawing out the multiple layers! It is very helpful.