Vloot bij Aymuy (China), 1663 1670

This is an engraving from 1663, “Vloot bij Aymuy (China)”, made by an anonymous artist. The composition is dominated by a fleet of ships in the foreground, leading the eye towards a distant cityscape. Notice the linear precision. The cross-hatching creates texture and volume, particularly in the depiction of water and the mountainous backdrop. This technique offers depth to the otherwise flat, graphic style. The ships, rendered with meticulous detail, appear uniform, suggesting a structured, organized entity. The use of perspective flattens the scene. The buildings and hills converge towards a horizon line, creating a sense of depth, yet simultaneously abstracting the landscape into shapes and forms. This abstraction invites us to consider the symbolic representation of place and power. Here, the artist isn't merely documenting a scene, but conveying a specific understanding of the relationship between the fleet, the city, and, perhaps, the broader dynamics of trade and exploration.