Strand, vorne links ein Herr und eine Dame, daneben drei andere Figuren, rechts drei Segelboote 

Editor: Here we have an ink and paper drawing titled "Strand, vorne links ein Herr und eine Dame, daneben drei andere Figuren, rechts drei Segelboote" which translates to "Beach, a gentleman and a lady in the front left, next to them three other figures, three sailboats on the right." It is attributed to Ludolf Backhuysen and resides in the Städel Museum collection. What do you see in this drawing? Curator: Well, considering Backhuysen’s social context, the availability of materials plays a huge role. Look at the relative affordability of ink and paper during the baroque period, and how this would enable preliminary sketches like these in preparation for larger works. I’m also drawn to the landscape subject of the image and the tools Backhuysen used. Editor: It's amazing how such simple materials could portray a scene of such apparent luxury – people enjoying leisure time by the sea, sailing ships... Curator: Exactly. Think about the economic infrastructure that made this scene possible. Those figures on the beach: who produced the clothing they wore? Where were those ships constructed, and who provided the labor and materials? A scene that presents itself as one of casual pleasure rests on vast structures of production and consumption. Editor: So you're saying that even in a simple sketch, the means of production leave their mark? Curator: Absolutely. Backhuysen, though part of a society where the distinction between high art and craft existed, offers a fascinating view of the labor connected to creating not only his art but also the context in which his artwork appears. Editor: I hadn't considered all of the economic factors represented in such a quick sketch. Thank you for showing me this material side of the work. Curator: Indeed. It pushes us to ask further questions, what about the availability and the costs associated with trade influencing this seascape as a sought-after style.