Zeegezicht 1754 - 1808

Pieter Blaauw created this seascape using pen in gray and brush in gray and brown. It’s key to remember that the ocean has long been a place of both freedom and unfreedom. These ships, rendered with such delicate lines, signal trade, exploration, and connection, but they also point to the fraught history of maritime travel. The sea was a path to new worlds, but also a site of conquest and enslavement. During Blaauw’s lifetime, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, deeply involved in global trade. Considering this historical context, we might ask: who manned these ships? What goods were they carrying? And what human stories are submerged beneath the surface of this seemingly serene scene? This image, while understated, invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between power, identity, and the sea.