Orlogsfartøjer nær et værft 1623 - 1664

This etching of naval vessels near a shipyard was made by Reinier Nooms, an artist who lived in 17th century Holland. Nooms, also known as Zeeman, which translates to "Seaman," brought an interesting perspective to the Dutch Golden Age. Born into poverty, he lived as a sailor, an experience which deeply influenced his artistic practice. The details in this work provide insight into the identities and labor of those who lived and worked on the sea. The billowing sails, the small rowboat moving towards the imposing ships, and the shipyard in the background speak to the maritime culture which shaped the economic and social structures of the Netherlands. The presence of these ships is a reminder of Holland’s global power at the time, as well as the country’s complex legacy of maritime trade and colonialism. Noom’s personal history allows us to reflect on the lives of the sailors, shipbuilders, and traders who fueled this maritime empire, inviting us to consider their stories and contributions.