Stoomfregat Evertsen liggend voor de haven van Antwerpen 1857 - 1874

Johan Conrad Greive created this print of the Stoomfregat Evertsen, a Dutch steam frigate, in the 19th century. This was a time when maritime power was intimately linked to national identity and colonial ambitions. Consider how the steam frigate, a symbol of technological advancement, reflects the Netherlands' aspirations as a global power. Greive meticulously depicts the ship, highlighting its modern steam-powered engine and imposing size. But what stories are not told here? Who were the people who built and operated this ship? What role did it play in the complex history of Dutch maritime activities, including both trade and conflict? As you gaze at the Stoomfregat Evertsen, think about the human experiences intertwined with these grand vessels. They embody a complex relationship between technological progress, national pride, and the human cost of exploration and expansion.