Kanonneerboten in het dok bij Antwerpen 1842

Egidius Linnig made this etching of gunboats in dock in Antwerp in the mid-19th century. It offers us a glimpse into the city's bustling port and the ships of war harbored there. But it’s the social context that brings this image to life. In 19th-century Belgium, Antwerp was a crucial port city, its economy deeply entwined with maritime trade and naval power. Linnig’s choice to depict gunboats is a nod to the country's investment in military readiness. Etchings like this weren’t just art, they were visual documents, shaping public perception of Belgium’s strength. To truly understand this work, we can delve into Antwerp's archives, exploring its maritime history, the naval policies of the time, and the role of art in shaping national identity. The meaning of art is deeply embedded in its social and institutional context.