Zeeslag bij Terheide, 1653 1848 - 1855

Petrus Johannes Schotel created this print called ‘Zeeslag bij Terheide, 1653.’ Schotel painted seascapes during a time of burgeoning Dutch nationalism in the 19th century. This battle scene is part of a larger cultural narrative which promoted images of Dutch maritime power. At the time, art served as a tool for constructing national identity, glorifying historical events, and reinforcing a sense of collective pride. But this representation often overlooks the grim realities of naval warfare and its impact on ordinary sailors. These large ships represent not just military might, but also the labor and lives of countless individuals, many of whom were from marginalized communities. What stories are omitted in this glorified depiction? What about the voices of those who experienced the violence and trauma of war firsthand? This image asks us to think about how the narratives we inherit are often incomplete.