Zeegezicht met schepen, jachten en sloepen 1621 - 1693

Willem van de Velde the Elder made this drawing of ships, yachts and sloops with pen in grey ink on paper. This kind of marine scene became popular in the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age, reflecting the nation’s maritime power and its central role in global trade networks. Look at how the artist uses the flags of the ships to create meaning, associating the ships and their travels with specific places and with the ambitions of Dutch traders in the 17th century. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is kept, was established in the late 19th century to display national art and historical artifacts to reflect the country’s cultural heritage. Art historians use archival documents to understand the conditions in which art was made and collected. This helps to understand the artwork’s significance in different social and institutional contexts over time.