Havengezicht op het Oude Hooft te Rotterdam 1768

Hendrik Kobell captured this harbor view of Rotterdam's Oude Hooft with etching, a printmaking technique, during the late 18th century. Kobell lived during a time of significant political and economic change in the Netherlands. Here, the bustling harbor is rendered with remarkable detail, showcasing the infrastructure of maritime trade and travel that was so crucial to the Dutch economy. The presence of numerous figures engaged in various activities—loading cargo, conversing, or simply observing—adds to the sense of a vibrant, working waterfront. It invites us to think about the labor and lives of the ordinary people who powered this economic engine. What was their relationship to the economics of the city? Kobell offers us a glimpse into a world where commerce and community intersect. It presents a slice of life that is both historically specific and universally relatable. This harbor scene reminds us of the human stories behind the grand narratives of trade and empire.