Zeeslag bij Cadiz, 1781 1781 - 1782

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this etching of the Battle of Cadiz in 1781. This Dutch artwork captures a naval battle, a theme that reflects the maritime power and the commercial interests of the Netherlands during the 18th century. The image shows wrecked and battling ships, a direct reference to the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, which was disastrous for the Dutch. The war was driven by Britain’s desire to suppress Dutch support for the American Revolution, as well as to damage Dutch trade and naval power. The etching can be seen as a commentary on the social structures of its time, particularly on the economic and political tensions between European powers. It reflects a period where naval strength was crucial for international trade and colonial expansion. To understand such an image better, historians often consult naval records, diplomatic correspondence, and period newspapers. The meaning of this etching is contingent on its social and institutional context, revealing much about Dutch identity and its place in the world.