Gezicht op Biesbosch en Noordendijk met molens te Dordrecht 1803

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this print of the Biesbosch and Noordendijk with Mills at Dordrecht. This landscape isn’t merely a depiction of windmills and waterways; it offers a glimpse into the economic and social underpinnings of 18th-century Netherlands. During this period, windmills were not just picturesque features, they were vital for land reclamation and industry, deeply intertwined with the livelihoods of the working class. The waterways served as crucial trade routes, influencing the economic prosperity and geopolitical power of the region. Bendorp’s choice to foreground the Biesbosch and Noordendijk landscapes suggests an interest in portraying the Dutch identity rooted in land and labor. The scene evokes a sense of national pride and industriousness. By capturing this moment, Bendorp invites us to consider how the transformation of nature shapes society and the relationship between people and their environment.