Schepen over land getrokken en een overtoom Possibly 1677 - 1696

Editor: So this print, “Schepen over land getrokken en een overtoom” by Giovanni Battista Falda, dates to the late 17th century. It looks like an architectural study almost, a depiction of various ways boats were moved over land. What strikes me is how diagrammatic it is, a bit like an engineering drawing. What’s your read on it? Curator: It is fascinating how Falda chooses to portray this, almost like a technical manual rather than a purely artistic representation. It reflects the growing importance of infrastructure and engineering in the 17th century, where prints served to disseminate knowledge about new technologies. This also reflects a power dynamic, right? Depicting innovation as a form of promoting cultural dominance. The title also seems to imply a connection to Dutch innovation: *Navigatione d'Olanda e loro ufanza*. Are we seeing the Dutch Republic being cast as a key center of technological advancement and global commerce? Editor: So, the print then is almost acting as a form of…propaganda? Highlighting Dutch ingenuity to enhance their political and economic standing? Curator: Exactly. Look closely at how the figures are presented - not as individuals but as cogs in this technological machine. Do you see any sort of attempt to portray their emotion, feeling or involvement, aside from pushing or pulling? This isn't just about depicting technology; it’s about positioning Dutch culture and infrastructure as a marvel of the age. And who, exactly, would have been the intended audience for a print like this? Editor: I imagine this was meant to impress, meant for those who were patrons or at least connected in commerce. Is that how it was meant to be read at the time or does our contemporary view shift it now? Curator: Well, that’s what’s really exciting about art history. It is fluid depending on the era we're looking at it from. Editor: So I guess that changes what the definition of "Art" is, in turn!