De Oost-Indiëvaarder, 1695 1695 - 1704

Cornelis Dusart's etching "De Oost-Indiëvaarder" from 1695-1704 depicts a Dutch East India Company sailor, likely a "Compagnievaarder" (sailor). The sailor is depicted in a dark, shadowy setting, possibly on a beach, with a ship in the background. He holds a bottle and pipe in his left hand, suggesting a life of indulgence and hardship. The artwork, found in the Rijksmuseum, reflects Dusart's mastery of the etching technique, capturing the sailor's weathered features and expressive pose. This artwork is a poignant portrayal of the lives of sailors during the Dutch Golden Age, often engaged in challenging voyages to the East Indies.