Aankomst van drie uit Engeland gevluchte Hollandse matrozen, 1781 1781 - 1783

This etching from 1781 by Hendrik R. van Rossen depicts the "Arrival of three Dutch sailors who fled from England." It throws us right into the tense political landscape of the late 18th century, a period rife with conflict between England and the Dutch Republic. The print captures a moment of escape and survival. We see three figures in a small boat, having just crossed the North Sea. The rough sea, the distant ship, and the barely-there sail tell a story of risk, resilience, and the desperation to return home. What drove these men to risk their lives on such a journey? What were their social positions? We have no idea, but they're escaping conflict between England and the Dutch Republic. The image doesn’t just document an event; it conveys the emotional weight of displacement, of fleeing under the cover of night, and the hope of finding refuge. It offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people caught in the currents of larger political events.