Twee schepen in stil water 1634 - 1679

Jan van de Cappelle rendered "Two Ships in Calm Water" in pen and brown ink, during the Dutch Golden Age. Cappelle, who never needed to sell his work, was a textile dyer by trade. He was known for his marine paintings that capture the serene Dutch waterways. The drawing brings to mind the global maritime trade controlled by the Dutch. The ships, symbols of commerce and exploration, remind us of the complex legacies of this era. The Dutch Golden Age was built on the backs of enslaved people. These realities are often overlooked in favor of romanticized views of maritime power. Cappelle was born into a Mennonite family. His religious beliefs may have influenced the sense of quiet contemplation found in his seascapes. The calm water and soft light evoke a sense of peace. But perhaps they also offer a moment to reflect on the human endeavors, and their consequences, that these ships represent.