Zeehaven met schepen 1625 - 1650

Matthieu van Plattenberg created this etching, "Zeehaven met schepen," in the 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, with ships playing a crucial role in trade, exploration, and warfare. Plattenberg's detailed depiction of a bustling harbor is not just a pretty picture, it is a window into the economic and colonial activities that shaped the era. We see the grandeur and power associated with maritime endeavors, but what’s less visible are the stories of those who made it possible. The lives of the sailors, merchants, and enslaved people whose labor fueled this economy are absent. The artist's choice to focus on the ships themselves, rather than the human element, speaks volumes about the prevailing attitudes and values of the time. As you consider this image, think about the narratives that are both present and conspicuously absent. What does it mean to celebrate maritime power without acknowledging the human cost?