Gezicht op Zierikzee, 1743 1751 - 1760

Jan Caspar Philips created this etching titled 'Gezicht op Zierikzee' in 1743, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The image captures the skyline of Zierikzee, a coastal town in the Netherlands, during a time of significant maritime activity and trade. During the 18th century, the Dutch Republic was a major economic power, and cities like Zierikzee played a crucial role in this prosperity. Philips's work reflects the pride and identity associated with Dutch cities and their contributions to global commerce. The print would have been a source of local pride and identity, but was also a commodity traded amongst merchants. How does the detailed depiction of Zierikzee—its ships, buildings, and people—speak to themes of national identity and commercial power during the Dutch Golden Age? Think about what it meant to represent a city in this way, what stories are being told, and whose perspectives are centered.