Driemaster van de Amsterdamse Admiraliteit 17th century

Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraten made this drawing of the "Driemaster van de Amsterdamse Admiraliteit" – that’s "Three-Master of the Amsterdam Admiralty" – using graphite on paper. The choice of such simple materials is revealing. Beerstraten wasn’t trying to create an illusion of reality, but rather to convey information efficiently. This was a working drawing; not so much a finished artwork as a means to an end. It shows us a ship of war, prepared for action in service of the Dutch empire. Every line speaks to the ship’s immense scale and the intensive labor required to build, rig, and operate it. Notice the precision with which Beerstraten has captured the complex rigging and decorative details of the stern. This wasn’t just about artistic skill; it required a deep understanding of naval architecture and the skilled trades involved. So, while this drawing may seem straightforward, it’s a potent reminder of the intertwined histories of art, industry, and global trade.