Havenarbeiders laden een sloep 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella made this print, *Havenarbeiders laden een sloep*, using etching techniques. It's a traditional method where a metal plate is covered with a waxy, protective layer, and then the artist scratches an image into that layer. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are etched into the metal. The quality of the etched line gives this image its unique character. Della Bella’s skillful mark-making is evident in the way he captures the weight of the workers' labor and the scale of the ship they're loading. The fine lines create subtle tonal variations, giving depth to the scene and emphasizing the material reality of the harbor, the ship, and the people. This wasn't just a picturesque scene; it shows a key element of the 17th-century economy. The print makes us consider the labor involved in maritime trade and the social hierarchy it supported. By focusing on the material processes of both artmaking and harbor work, we can better understand the historical context and meanings embedded within this image, and how class is present within the work.