Old Dutch Town on Canal after 1738

Isaac van Ketweg created this drawing, "Old Dutch Town on Canal," sometime during his lifetime, between 1732 and 1787. It offers a glimpse into the Dutch Republic's landscape and society during the 18th century. Ketweg's drawing captures the Dutch's relationship with water, essential to both their economy and defense. However, this calm canal scene obscures the intense competition and labor required for its construction and maintenance. Canals such as this one shaped not only the landscape, but also the social structure of the Netherlands. The buildings range from humble dwellings to a prominent church. Together these reflect the deep class divisions and the ever-present role of the church in Dutch society. Through his delicate rendering, Ketweg invites us to reflect on the complex, interwoven stories of land, labor, and life in the Dutch Republic.