Zeezicht met aangespoelde boot c. 1643

François Collignon created this etching, "Seascape with a beached boat," in the 17th century, a period marked by the Dutch Republic’s rise as a global maritime power. The image presents a serene yet unsettling view of maritime life. In the foreground, a wrecked boat lies partially dismantled, contrasting with the active ships on the horizon. This juxtaposition speaks to the era’s complex relationship with the sea, as both a source of prosperity and a site of peril. Scenes like this would have been familiar to many, given the high risks associated with seafaring. The discarded boat might be a testament to the countless lives and livelihoods claimed by the sea. Collignon invites us to consider the human cost of maritime endeavors. While the distant ships symbolize progress and exploration, the wreckage serves as a somber reminder of vulnerability in the face of nature's power.