Stark bewegte See mit vielen Schiffen, ein großes Schiff lädt eine Kanone, davor ein Boot von vorne gesehen, links eine Stadt 

Leendert de Koningh captured this “Stark bewegte See mit vielen Schiffen…” in watercolor, likely in the first half of the 19th century. In this period we see the rise and fall of colonialism, with the Dutch Republic having a considerable presence in global trade and naval power. The painting depicts a dramatic scene at sea, with ships battling against the turbulent waves. However, if we consider the history of maritime trade, we must also consider the history of slavery and exploitation. The grandeur of the ships and the drama of the sea cannot erase the difficult stories of those who were transported on similar vessels against their will. As we gaze at this artwork, we might reflect on the countless untold stories of the individuals who were impacted by the maritime activities that shaped the world we live in today.