Schetsen van een prauw en twee bamboevlotten c. 1660

This pen-and-ink drawing by Wouter Schouten, dated c. 1660, depicts two scenes of nautical activity. The top scene shows a boat on fire with smoke billowing into the air. A larger boat with sails is visible in the background. The bottom scene shows a floating hut, likely a "bamboe vlot" as described in the inscription, being boarded by men in a small boat, and the inscription notes the "two bamboo rafts". The inscription on both scenes in Dutch provides context and detail about the subject of the sketches. This work is a rare example of Schouten's detailed and intimate sketches, showcasing his talent for capturing the nuances of maritime life in the 17th century.