Udflugt ved havet 1701

Ludolf Bakhuizen made this etching, "Excursion by the Sea," sometime in the 17th century. Bakhuizen, who lived during the Dutch Golden Age, was known for his maritime scenes, capturing the Netherlands' deep connection to the sea. Here, instead of focusing on naval power, Bakhuizen depicts a family enjoying a day at the beach, with ships on the horizon. The family's attire suggests a middle-class status, and we see figures relaxing, eating, and drinking. Consider the historical context: the Dutch Golden Age was a period of immense economic growth and colonial expansion, but this prosperity was built on the backs of enslaved people. How might this idyllic scene obscure the harsh realities of Dutch maritime power, or offer a counterpoint to the representation of working-class figures? Bakhuizen’s work, while seemingly a simple family outing, invites us to reflect on the complexities of Dutch identity, class, and the sea’s role in shaping both opportunity and exploitation.