Lossen van aangemeerde schepen 1767 - 1780

Bernhard Schreuder made this print, "Lossen van aangemeerde schepen", using etching and possibly engraving sometime before 1780. These are intaglio processes, meaning the image is incised into a metal plate, then filled with ink and transferred to paper under high pressure. The relatively fine lines and tonal range suggest Schreuder was a highly skilled printmaker. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, the print documents the labor-intensive work of unloading ships. The men shown here are engaged in physically demanding tasks that powered global trade. Wood, rope, sailcloth, and other materials, were brought together through considerable labour. Seen in this light, the print transcends its simple depiction of a harbor, becoming a meditation on labor, maritime industry, and its reliance on skilled craftsmanship and the exploitation of labour. It encourages us to recognize the cultural and social significance embedded within the artwork.