Zeeslag bij Cadiz, 1781 1782 - 1820

Editor: Here we have an intriguing watercolor from the Rijksmuseum’s collection called "Zeeslag bij Cadiz, 1781," or "Battle of Cadiz, 1781," which was made sometime between 1782 and 1820 by an anonymous artist. It depicts a naval battle scene and, beyond its surface portrayal, what can we uncover about its underlying historical and cultural narratives? Curator: Precisely. What interests me here is not simply the illustration of a battle, but what this battle signified within the larger context of colonialism and power dynamics. These weren’t just ships clashing; they represented empires vying for control, resources, and the subjugation of various populations. How does the visual language used – the arrangement of ships, the flags, the smoke – contribute to or perhaps even critique these power dynamics? Editor: I see what you mean. It is less about the aesthetics and more about the social, political, and historical contexts in which the piece was made and what the ships stood for during this period of intense colonial competition. Curator: Exactly. Think about who is absent from this image: the perspectives of the colonized. History paintings like this often celebrate victories without acknowledging the human cost of colonial expansion and exploitation. In what ways could we view this piece as an unintentional documentation of colonial violence, even if it seems to glorify battle? Editor: That’s a very compelling perspective, viewing the absences and challenging the dominant narrative to understand the true realities of these historical moments. Thank you for pointing that out. Curator: It is these nuanced readings that help us confront the complex and often troubling legacies embedded within art. It is our job to address social change and to use what we learn in the process to make change today.