Palingschuit 1820 - 1872

Hendrik Abraham Klinkhamer made this pencil drawing of a ‘Palingschuit’, or eel barge, sometime in the mid-19th century. With its flat bottom and shallow draft, the ‘Palingschuit’ was ideally suited for navigating the shallow waters of the Dutch Zuyder Zee, today known as the IJsselmeer. These boats were essential for transporting live eels to the markets of London, a trade that thrived due to the high demand for this delicacy in Victorian England. Eel barges like this one represent a fascinating intersection of local industry and international trade. They reflect the ingenuity of Dutch boat builders in adapting to their unique environment, as well as the complex economic ties that linked the Netherlands to the broader world. To fully understand this drawing, one might consult maritime histories, trade records, and local archives. By examining such resources, we can appreciate how artworks like this offer us a glimpse into a specific time and place, shaped by distinct social, economic, and environmental factors.