Holzbrücke über einem Kanal, darauf zwei Männer 

Hendrik Spilman made this drawing of a wooden bridge over a canal with two men on it sometime in the 1700s. It captures a quiet, everyday scene, but it also hints at the economic and social importance of waterways in Dutch life. The Netherlands has always relied on its canals and rivers for trade, transportation, and even defense. Canals weren’t just practical; they were also a source of national pride, carefully managed by local governments. We can see that pride reflected in the care Spilman takes to depict this simple bridge. This image presents a peaceful scene of Dutch life, and it could serve as an interesting source material for the study of Dutch history.