Gezicht op Vlissingen, vanaf de Schelde gezien 1600 - 1650

Abraham de Verwer made this drawing of Vlissingen as seen from the Schelde, using pen in brown and gray, and watercolor. The city presents itself as a fortified harbor, a visual statement of Dutch maritime power during the Golden Age. De Verwer, who lived from 1600 to 1650, was part of the artistic milieu that both celebrated and constructed Dutch identity. In this period, the Dutch Republic was asserting itself as a major player in global trade and naval dominance, and art played a crucial role in shaping national pride and projecting an image of strength. While this drawing appears to be a straightforward depiction, consider what isn’t shown: the human cost of maritime trade, the lives of sailors, or the experiences of those impacted by Dutch expansion. Instead, we are presented with an idealized portrait that subtly reinforces the narrative of Dutch exceptionalism and power. The drawing invites us to consider the relationship between national identity, artistic representation, and the complex realities of history.