Gezicht op een haven 1746

Jacques Philippe Le Bas created this print titled 'View of a Harbor' using etching and engraving techniques. Created during an era defined by expanding global trade, the harbor scene offers a glimpse into the socio-economic landscape of the 18th century. We see figures engaged in labor, loading and unloading goods, thus highlighting the significance of maritime activities. It makes me wonder about the identities of these workers; the long hours of labor they endured, the things they carried, the personal stories of their lives. This artwork captures a moment in time, prompting us to reflect on their experiences and the broader context of labor and trade. This harbor view prompts us to consider how the economic activities of the time impacted individual lives and broader societal structures.