Matelot de Brabant / Brabantsche schipper c. 1690 - 1733

This etching, created by Bernard Picart between 1690 and 1733, portrays a sailor from Brabant. The sailor, depicted in the traditional garb of his time, stands on the deck of a ship, his hands clasped behind his back. He is smoking a pipe, his gaze directed towards the horizon. The intricate detail of the rigging and the sailor's attire contribute to the realistic depiction of a seafaring life, offering a glimpse into the world of Dutch sailors of the 17th and 18th centuries. This artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Picart's skill as an engraver and provides a valuable visual record of historical dress and maritime practices.