Gezicht op de Maas bij Rotterdam 1864 - 1909

Cornelia Christina Johanna van Trigt-Hoevenaar created this etching titled 'Gezicht op de Maas bij Rotterdam' (View of the Meuse at Rotterdam) in the late 19th or early 20th century. It shows a panoramic view of the busy port. The image is interesting because it depicts a scene of bustling industrial activity in the Netherlands, a major maritime power. Note the contrast between the traditional sailing ships on the left and the steamships and industrial buildings on the right. This speaks to the Netherlands' embrace of the Industrial Revolution and its impact on Dutch society and economy. As a woman artist, Van Trigt-Hoevenaar faced additional hurdles to recognition in a male-dominated art world. To fully understand this artwork, one could research the history of Rotterdam as a port city, the role of the Netherlands in international trade, and the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. Only then can we appreciate how the artist captured a pivotal moment in the nation's history.