Zeeslag bij Doggersbank, 1781 1781

Mathias de Sallieth made this etching of the Battle of Dogger Bank in 1781. It depicts a naval battle that took place during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War. Looking at this image, we can see how the Anglo-Dutch wars were not only political conflicts but also clashes of artistic and cultural values. In the 18th century, the Dutch Republic, once a dominant maritime power, was experiencing a decline, and this work reflects a moment of national pride amidst growing challenges. Dutch art often served a civic function, bolstering national identity. Battle scenes like this, produced as prints, were a popular way of communicating events. The etching creates meaning through the visual code of naval power and the cultural reference to the ongoing conflict. To truly understand art like this, we need to consult historical records, naval archives, and period publications. This artwork becomes more meaningful when we consider its social and institutional context.