Gezicht op Rotterdam (derde deel) after 1666

Joost van Geel made this print of Rotterdam sometime in the latter half of the 17th century, using etching and engraving. It’s a detailed cityscape dominated by ships on the river, celebrating the city’s economic strength. The Dutch Golden Age was driven by maritime trade, and prints like this played a role in constructing a sense of national pride and civic identity. This image creates meaning through its visual codes. The ships, rendered in meticulous detail, symbolize trade and exploration. The skyline, dominated by church spires and prosperous-looking buildings, reinforces the image of a wealthy, God-fearing society. Even the ornate border, filled with globes and navigation tools, speaks to the era's global ambitions. To understand its full meaning, we might delve into the archives of the Dutch East India Company or examine period maps and trade records. These resources would reveal the intricate connections between art, commerce, and Dutch society, showing us how images like this helped shape the Netherlands' sense of itself.