Adam Willaerts painted "Ships off a Coast" during a time when the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power. Willaerts, as a marine painter, often depicted ships, the sea, and coastal scenes. Here, figures populate the foreground, gazing out at the vessels, their presence highlighting the relationship between the land and sea. During this period, maritime activities were central to the Dutch economy and national identity, yet the costs of this industry often went unseen. Willaerts also made paintings of enslaved people working on ships and in ports. Though absent here, this history is an important reminder of the human cost of maritime trade. As you look at the painting, think about the stories it doesn't tell. Think about the lives of those who never made it to shore, and how their stories are connected to the painting's depiction of Dutch maritime power.