Tekstblad bij de prent van het einde van de zeeslag bij Doggersbank, 1781 1782

This print, created in 1781 by Johannes Smit & Zoon, presents a textual account of the end of the naval battle at Doggersbank. The composition is structured with blocks of text, bordered by a decorative meander pattern, a motif known from classical architecture. This geometrical design lends a sense of order to the piece. The text itself functions as the primary visual element, the words are carefully arranged and labelled, almost like elements in an abstract composition. The use of language here goes beyond mere description; it creates a symbolic structure that conveys a sense of historical and political significance. The structured format and semiotic use of language encourage a reading of the print as a structured narrative rather than a purely informative document. This formal organisation invites the viewer to engage with the print as a sign system, decoding its message within the broader context of 18th-century naval history and cultural discourse.