Veerschuit met passagiers 1791

Gerrit Groenewegen created this etching of a passenger ferry somewhere in the Netherlands in the late 18th or early 19th century. The scene captures a quintessential aspect of Dutch life – the constant negotiation with water. The veerschuit, or ferry, was a vital piece of infrastructure, connecting communities separated by the intricate network of rivers and canals. Groenewegen's choice of subject matter reflects the economic and social importance of water transport in Dutch society. This print offers a glimpse into the daily lives of people from various social classes, all brought together on this floating platform. Historical records, such as municipal archives and travel logs, can offer valuable insights into the operations of these ferries, their routes, fares, and the regulations that governed them. Further research into Groenewegen's body of work and the artistic conventions of the time can help us understand how he positioned himself in relation to the social and artistic norms of his era.