Herberg de Voetangel aan de Utrechtse trekvaart 1782

Hendrik Tavenier created this watercolor titled 'Herberg de Voetangel aan de Utrechtse trekvaart'. This artwork offers a glimpse into the social and economic landscape of the 18th-century Netherlands. During this period, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, and its extensive network of canals facilitated trade and transportation. Taverniers work reflects this reality, depicting a bustling scene along the Utrecht canal. The inn, or 'herberg', likely served as a hub for travelers and merchants. What stories might these figures carry? What economic exchanges took place within its walls? What role did it play in the lives of the local population? The painting offers us an opportunity to consider the intersection of commerce, community, and daily life in the Dutch Golden Age.