['Seascape off Scheveningen Beach', 'Seascape on the Beach at Scheveningen'] c. 1629

Willem van Diest, who lived from 1610 to 1668, painted this seascape of Scheveningen Beach on a 37 by 73-centimeter canvas. Maritime paintings in the Dutch Golden Age weren't just about pretty ships; they were deeply tied to the Netherlands' identity and economic power. The 17th century was a period of intense maritime activity. This piece captures a busy scene off the Dutch coast, filled with ships and figures on the shore. These vessels symbolize trade and exploration, but also the darker side of Dutch maritime history, including its role in the transatlantic slave trade. The figures on the beach represent the community that depended on the sea for their livelihoods. Van Diest, through his art, offers a glimpse into a society grappling with its ambitions and the realities of its global reach. The muted tones and turbulent waters might suggest a reflection on the human condition, caught between opportunity and risk.