De eerste Hollandse schepen in Oost-Indië, 1596 1865 - 1870

This 19th-century etching by Christiaan Lodewijk van Kesteren depicts the arrival of the first Dutch ships in the East Indies in 1596. The scene showcases a fleet of sailing ships at anchor, with a smaller boat in the foreground, conveying the grandeur of the Dutch maritime empire. The work, now in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the Dutch fascination with its colonial history and the power of its navy. It is a fine example of historical maritime art and is a testament to the enduring interest in the exploration and trade of the Dutch Golden Age.