Lokvogel om vogels te vangen 1730 - 1731

Bernard Picart rendered 'Lokvogel om vogels te vangen' using pen, brush, and watercolor. Reflecting on the artist's historical positioning in the 18th century, it's tempting to consider this image as a picturesque harbor scene. However, what happens when we center the experiences of those laboring in the foreground? The figures on the raft are dwarfed by the scale of the ships, yet they are central to the port's activity. What stories do they have to tell? What are their names? There is an emotional undercurrent to this image. We can easily imagine the everyday challenges and resilience of the people who animate this port. This image serves as a reminder of the human labor and stories often obscured in representations of maritime power.