Gezicht op Dordrecht uit het zuid-westen 1766 - 1815

Jacob van Strij created this drawing of Dordrecht, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century, using pen and brown ink. The detailed rendering of the town, with its towering church and numerous windmills, offers a glimpse into the economic and social landscape of the Netherlands during a period of significant transformation. This was a time when the Dutch Republic was navigating shifting political alliances and economic challenges, while holding on to its rich mercantile traditions. The waterways, alive with boats carrying people of various classes, suggest the interconnectedness of the community, while the distant horizon hints at the wider world beyond. The presence of windmills also speaks to the nation’s ingenuity and reliance on natural resources, deeply embedded in the Dutch identity. Van Strij’s depiction of Dordrecht captures a society in transition, reflecting both the enduring spirit and the evolving realities of the Dutch people.