Twee zeilschepen 1797 - 1838

Johannes Christiaan Schotel made this sketch of two sailing ships with graphite on paper sometime before 1838. The artist was well known for his marine paintings, which celebrated Dutch maritime power during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Shipping was at the heart of Dutch culture during this period. As a major economic power, the Netherlands relied on its merchant fleet for trade and its navy for defense. The Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century was built on maritime trade, and the sea remained a powerful symbol of national identity, but by the time that Schotel was active the country was in decline. There were strong institutional structures in place to encourage marine painting as a way of celebrating the sea. Many artists received commissions from wealthy merchants and naval officers and marine painting was also supported by the art academies. To fully understand this sketch, we can research Dutch maritime history, the history of marine painting, and the cultural significance of ships in Dutch society. Doing so helps us appreciate the significance of this evocative drawing.