Oorlogschip en drie zeilschepen op volle zee 1767 - 1780

Bernhard Schreuder made this print of a warship and three sailing ships at sea sometime before his death in 1780. The ships are boldly lined, yet the sea is relatively calm. Consider the historical and cultural context of this image. The Dutch Republic was a major maritime power in the 18th century, engaged in extensive trade and naval conflicts. These ships, symbols of Dutch power, would have been a familiar sight, but also, perhaps, stand for the violence of colonial expansion. Who benefits from the power these ships represent? Who suffers? This image evokes feelings of admiration for maritime prowess, but it also prompts reflection on the costs of maintaining such dominance. Schreuder’s print invites us to consider both the glory and the underlying realities of 18th-century Dutch maritime power.