Flushing from the Sea 1640 - 1707

Willem van de Velde II sketched "Flushing from the Sea," using pen and gray ink on paper to capture a Dutch coastal scene. Van de Velde, working in the 17th century, lived in a time when the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, and he was known for his marine paintings and drawings. This sketch offers a glimpse into the world of Dutch maritime trade and naval power. The detailed, careful lines reflect the importance of maritime activities to Dutch identity and economy. It's also important to remember that this prosperity was built on a colonial enterprise with all its attendant violence and exploitation. The drawing invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between national identity, economic power, and maritime expansion during this period. It invites us to consider the human stories and lived experiences behind the image of a bustling port city.