Gezicht op Maatschappij tot nut van de Zeevaart in Rotterdam 1827 - 1873

Hendrik Wilhelmus Last created this print of the Maatschappij tot nut van de Zeevaart in Rotterdam, using lithography. The image provides a glimpse into the social and economic life of the Dutch port city. Made in the 19th century, it shows the architecture of the building alongside the activity of the port, hinting at the maritime trade and the labor that sustained it. The title translates to "Society for the Benefit of Seafaring," a telling reflection of the Dutch investment in maritime activities. It evokes a sense of national pride and highlights the importance of seafaring to the Dutch identity. We can see how such societies helped formalize and promote nautical expertise, in the absence of governmental institutions that would take on these roles later on. By researching archives and institutional records, we can further understand the role of organizations such as the Maatschappij tot nut van de Zeevaart in shaping the Netherlands' maritime infrastructure and culture.