Tewaterlating van een pink vanaf het strand bij Scheveningen 1799

Izaak Jansz. de Wit created this print of the beach at Scheveningen in 1793. It depicts the launch of a fishing vessel, a ‘pink’, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. This image offers us a glimpse into the social and economic life of a Dutch coastal community during the late 18th century. The print highlights the communal effort involved in shipbuilding and launching, suggesting the importance of maritime activities for the local economy. We can observe the social hierarchy through the attire of the figures, with wealthier individuals standing apart from the laborers. The church in the background is a reminder of the influence of religion in daily life. To understand this work fully, we can look at local archives, shipping records, and studies of Dutch maritime history. This will reveal the significance of fishing to the Dutch economy and culture and uncover more about the social and economic structures of the time.