De Zeeslag voor Katwijk (linkerblad), 1653 1653

Willem van de Velde I created this pen drawing titled "De Zeeslag voor Katwijk" in 1653. This is a vivid depiction of the Battle of Scheveningen, a naval engagement during the First Anglo-Dutch War. Van de Velde, who would have witnessed scenes like this firsthand, wasn't just illustrating a sea battle; he was capturing a pivotal moment in Dutch history, when maritime power was a source of national identity and pride. But we need to also consider those who lost at sea; this drawing reflects the complex relationship between the glory of naval combat and the immense human suffering it caused. Note how the detailed ships are engulfed in smoke and the chaos of battle. Van de Velde skillfully conveys a sense of movement and drama, drawing us into the heart of the conflict. The image resonates as a powerful reminder of the human cost of territorial ambition.