Het aanbrengen van de takeling en de marsen, plaat nr. 7, ca. 1700 1690 - 1710

Sieuwert van der Meulen created this print around 1700, showing the rigging and fitting out of a ship, likely in the Netherlands. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, its wealth and influence built on trade and naval strength. This image, therefore, isn't just a technical study of shipbuilding, but a depiction of the engine of Dutch power. The artist, through his choice of subject, participates in the cultural celebration of Dutch maritime prowess. Consider the institutional context. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, plays a role in shaping our understanding of Dutch history. By collecting and displaying such works, the museum reinforces a narrative of national pride and historical importance. To fully understand this print, one might consult historical records of Dutch shipbuilding, economic data on trade, or studies of Dutch national identity.