In 't Jaar 1559 c. 1789 - 1810

This ink drawing of a naval disaster at sea was made in 1559 by an unknown artist. The sketch depicts ships caught in the throes of a storm, likely referencing a historical event rather than a fictional scene. Maritime disasters like this one were more than just tragedies; they were pivotal moments in history that impacted global trade, power dynamics, and even the movement of people. What we see is not only the physical struggle against nature, but also the human cost of exploration, colonization, and the relentless pursuit of new trade routes. The sketch leaves us to contemplate the stories of those who were lost at sea, and how such events have shaped our understanding of the world.