Boten 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh made this sketch of boats with pencil on paper. As a record of visual experience, the image is an interesting document to consider in relation to Dutch social and economic history. During Vreedenburgh’s lifetime, the Netherlands was undergoing rapid modernization. The artist, who lived from 1880 to 1946, witnessed considerable shifts in social and economic life. We can consider this sketch in relation to the artist’s broader body of work. As an artist, Vreedenburgh cultivated an interest in old buildings and cityscapes. The quickness of the sketch gives us a sense of the artist capturing a fleeting impression. To fully understand an image like this, the art historian needs to look beyond the art institution and consult a range of documentary sources. These might include economic data, social surveys, or personal letters and diaries. The meaning of art is contingent on its historical context.