Riviergezicht met molens en schepen c. 1841 - 1865

This pencil drawing of a river scene with windmills and boats was made by Petrus Johannes Schotel, who died in 1865. It captures a moment in the culture of the Netherlands, but what does it tell us about the social life of the time? The sketch displays an informal, firsthand view of the local geography, yet it can also be read as a comment on the institutional structures and power dynamics within Dutch society. The windmills could be seen as symbols of Dutch industry and economic power, while the boats suggest trade and cultural exchange. It is interesting to think about how Schotel’s depiction of the scene might reflect or challenge prevailing social norms. Does it celebrate Dutch prosperity, or does it hint at the possible social costs of economic progress? As art historians, we can dig deeper into these questions by researching the socio-political context of the time, examining Schotel’s other works, and reading critical analyses of Dutch art and culture.