Scheepstimmerwerf c. 1786 - 1850

Gerrit Lamberts created this watercolor of a shipyard in the Netherlands sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. During this time, the Netherlands was a major maritime power, and shipyards were vital hubs of economic and social activity. This watercolor provides us with a glimpse into the lives of the working class in the Netherlands. We see men working on the boats, their labor contributing to the economic prosperity of the nation. The buildings are simple and functional, reflecting the practical needs of the shipyard workers. The overcast sky and muted colors evoke a sense of quiet industry, of everyday life unfolding against the backdrop of maritime commerce. However, it is important to remember that this prosperity was often built on the backs of enslaved people who were transported on these very ships. Lamberts' watercolor invites us to reflect on the complex and often contradictory nature of Dutch history. It reminds us to consider the human cost of economic success and to recognize the contributions of all those who shaped the world we live in today.