Oorlogschip 'De Biddende Petrus' ontworpen door Peter de Grote, 1700 1701

Adriaen Schoonebeek made this print around 1700, depicting the warship 'De Biddende Petrus,' designed by Peter the Great. Schoonebeek worked in engraving, a printmaking technique that demands precision. He used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, which would then be inked and printed. The clarity and detail achievable through engraving suited the depiction of complex subjects like naval vessels, and the medium itself speaks to the values of the time. Notice the incredible detail: from the rigging of the ship to the turbulent waves, and the distant shoreline. Engraving like this required patience and a high degree of skill, reflecting a culture that valued craftsmanship and technical mastery. The print also speaks to the burgeoning naval power of the Dutch Republic, its global trade networks, and the critical role of shipbuilding in its economy. Ultimately, this print invites us to consider the intersection of art, craft, and industry in the early 18th century, recognizing that even a seemingly straightforward depiction of a ship can reveal deeper social and economic currents.