Schepen voor een omwalde stad bij ondergaande zon 1730 - 1771

This watercolor painting was made in the 18th century by Jan Matthias Cok. It depicts ships near a walled city at sunset, rendered with delicate washes of color on paper. The artist used watercolor techniques to capture the subtle gradations of light and atmosphere. Notice how the fluidity of the watercolor medium allows for soft transitions between colors, creating a sense of depth and luminosity. The washes of color evoke the atmospheric conditions of dusk. These were important considerations during the height of the Dutch East India Company, the first multinational corporation, whose wealth depended on seafaring exploits. The workers relied on atmospheric conditions for navigation and trade. As you consider this artwork, think about the ways in which materials, processes, and historical context intersect to enrich our understanding and appreciation.