Pijprokende man op een zeilboot 1797 - 1838

Johannes Christiaan Schotel created this delicate pencil drawing of a pipe-smoking man on a sailboat, sometime before his death in 1838. The scene offers a glimpse into Dutch maritime life during the 19th century. Holland’s Golden Age and its dominance in maritime trade had long passed, but maritime activities remained crucial to the Dutch economy and cultural identity. Schotel, known for his marine paintings, provides an intimate view into this world. The man, calmly smoking his pipe, embodies a sense of Dutch stoicism and connection to the sea. The detailed rendering of the ship suggests the importance of seafaring technology and the cultural value placed on maritime expertise. To fully appreciate this drawing, we can look at maritime history, Dutch art history, and social studies of 19th-century Dutch society. By studying these sources, we can gain insight into the rich historical context of this drawing. Art offers a lens through which to examine the values, technologies, and social conditions of its time.