Pier te Antwerpen 1652

"Pier te Antwerpen" is a pen and ink drawing by Flemish artist Bonaventura Peeters I, created in 1652, the year of his death. The drawing, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a bustling scene at the pier in Antwerp, with numerous ships docked and crowds of people gathered along the waterfront. Peeters I was known for his meticulous depictions of ships and maritime scenes, and this drawing is a testament to his skill and talent. This drawing is a small example of a larger theme in art history, of how artists like Peeters I used their works to depict the growing importance of trade and commerce to 17th century Antwerp.