Bouw van een schip 1647

Wenceslaus Hollar created this detailed etching titled "Bouw van een schip," or "Construction of a Ship," sometime in the 17th century. The image presents a large ship under construction, dominating the composition with its impressive scale and intricate detail. Hollar's use of line is meticulous, defining the ship's structure and the figures of the workers with precision. The composition is structured around the horizontal emphasis of the ship, balanced by the verticality of the masts and the activity of the figures working on its hull. The textures of the wood and rigging are rendered with a remarkable clarity, providing a tactile sense of the shipbuilding process. This etching functions not merely as a record of shipbuilding but also as a cultural artifact. It reflects the importance of maritime power and trade in the 17th century. Hollar's detailed representation invites us to consider the complex interplay between technology, labor, and economic ambition during this era. Through its formal qualities, the artwork becomes a site for understanding the values and priorities of its time.