Strandgezicht met vissersschepen en groepen mensen 1631 - 1664

Egbert Lievensz van der Poel created this drawing of fishing boats and people on a beach some time in the mid-17th century. The image evokes the centrality of the fishing trade to the economy and society of the Dutch Republic. Notice how the image creates meaning through its depiction of communal effort. People are shown busily working together to bring in the catch, repair boats, and transport goods. This collective enterprise reflects the economic structures of the time, with many families relying on fishing for their livelihoods. The sketch shows the everyday activities that shaped the cultural identity of the region. Van der Poel made other images showing the impact of disasters on ordinary people. Historians use a variety of sources – archival records, economic data, and cultural histories to understand the significance of such images. Art like this shows us the role of labor and community in the Dutch Golden Age.