Two Becalmed War Frigates and Other Vessels 1610 - 1653

Simon de Vlieger made this drawing of war frigates and other vessels using pen and brown ink, with gray wash, heightened with white, on gray laid paper. The scene echoes the Dutch Republic's 17th-century maritime strength, a period marked by expanding global trade routes. However, this was also a time of intense naval competition and colonial expansion, often achieved through violence and exploitation. The becalmed state of the ships can be viewed as a moment of pause or reflection amidst the ceaseless activity of trade and warfare that propelled the Dutch Golden Age. While the drawing celebrates Dutch maritime prowess, it also hints at the darker aspects of this power. In this way, the tranquil scene invites contemplation on the human cost of empire and the complex relationship between nationhood, identity, and the sea.