Kaperkapitein Sextroh verovert een Britse paketboot, 1782 1782

Jan Kobell the Elder made this print in 1782, depicting the capture of a British packet ship by the privateer Sextroh. Engraving like this served as a form of news media in the 18th century Netherlands, depicting recent military events and the rise of individual heroes. The print commemorates a specific act of Dutch patriotism, and the text below the image lauds the military prowess of Captain Sextroh. It gives us some insight into the cultural values of the Dutch at that time. It elevates military might, individual heroism, and national pride in the face of colonial rivalries. The Dutch Republic, a major maritime power at the time, was in decline, and prints like this were used to shore up popular support for the Navy. As art historians, we can use official naval records, period newspapers, and biographical research on figures like Kobell and Sextroh to better understand the role this image played in shaping public opinion.