Tull on the River Waal 

Nicolaas Wicart made this drawing of Tull on the River Waal using pen and brown ink with gray wash. It presents a seemingly calm scene, but the Dutch Republic in the late 18th century was experiencing growing social and political unrest. Wicart depicts figures in boats of different sizes, hinting at a society defined by trade and class distinctions. We see a church and a windmill in the background, underscoring the importance of both religion and industry to Dutch life. The composition is carefully arranged, possibly reflecting the Dutch Republic's efforts to present an image of stability. But there was growing tension between the ruling elite and those seeking democratic reforms. To fully understand this drawing, we need to look at Dutch history, economic data, and even pamphlets from the period. Art historians use these resources to interpret the social and institutional contexts that influenced the creation and reception of art.