Grafmonument van Egbert Meussen Cortenaer te Rotterdam 1690

This etching depicts the grave monument of Egbert Meussen Cortenaer, a Dutch naval hero. The unknown artist created it in Rotterdam, likely in the mid-17th century. This image reflects a society deeply invested in memorializing its military figures. The monument is adorned with classical motifs – a broken pediment and ornate columns, as well as symbolic objects – a fallen soldier and an elaborate arrangement of weapons. These elements speak to an era grappling with the costs and legacies of maritime power. Consider how the image invites us to remember Cortenaer not just as an individual, but as a symbol of Dutch naval prowess. The piece evokes a sense of pride, yet it also hints at the human cost of war, prompting us to reflect on how societies choose to remember, and who gets remembered.