Gezicht op de Distilleerketel in Delfshaven 1858

This print, titled 'Gezicht op de Distilleerketel in Delfshaven', was made by Johann Gabriel Friedrich Poppel. The print offers a glimpse into the social and economic life of Rotterdam. The scene depicts a bustling port with figures engaged in various activities, likely related to trade and transport. The windmill, prominently featured, symbolizes the industrial activity and economic prosperity of the region. During this time, the Netherlands was a major economic power with a global trade network. The port of Rotterdam was a vital hub for the movement of goods and people. The print is not overtly political, but it provides a window into the social structures of the time, showing working-class people engaged in labor. As an art historian, I would delve into archival sources, such as trade records and local histories, to gain a more complete understanding of the print's context. This artwork, as with all artworks, can only be understood fully with an appreciation of the social conditions that gave rise to it.