Lofzang op de drie gevluchte Scheveningse vissers, 1781 1781

This small print was made in 1781 by Pieter Vreede. The Dutch text recounts the story of three fishermen from Scheveningen who escaped imprisonment by fleeing to England in a small boat. This account should be understood in the context of the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, which saw the Dutch Republic at war with Great Britain over trade disputes. Scheveningen was an important fishing village, and its proximity to the sea made it a strategic location during the conflict. This explains the imprisonment of the three men in the first place. The text invokes a sense of patriotism and resistance against a foreign power. The fishermen’s daring escape can be seen as a symbol of Dutch resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. To fully appreciate the print's meaning, one might consult historical records, pamphlets, and other visual representations of the Anglo-Dutch War. These resources can help us understand the social and political context in which the image was created and consumed.