Havengezicht op het Oude Hooft te Rotterdam 1688 - 1711

Pieter Schenk created this print of Rotterdam's harbor around the turn of the 18th century. At this time, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, deeply engaged in global trade and naval operations. Schenk's detailed depiction of ships, from naval vessels to smaller boats, speaks to the centrality of maritime activity to Dutch identity and economic prosperity. The presence of the 'Amiraliteitsjacht' or Admiralty yacht, signifies the government's role in overseeing maritime affairs. In contrast, the small boat in the foreground, carrying what appear to be laborers, hints at the class dynamics underlying this maritime power. Through its meticulous detail and composition, the print creates a sense of Dutch pride in their maritime prowess. But it also invites us to consider the labor and the social hierarchies inherent in this image of a bustling port. This piece serves not only as a historical record but also as a reflection on the complexities of power, labor, and national identity.