Koophandel en Zeevaart, decoratie op de Nieuwmarkt, 1795 1795

Noach van der Meer the Younger made this drawing titled "Koophandel en Zeevaart" or "Trade and Seafaring" in 1795 using pen and watercolor. It depicts a festive decoration in Amsterdam's Nieuwmarkt square. Look closely, and you'll see that it features a ship model perched on a pedestal, flanked by decorative columns bearing portrait medallions. Though seemingly traditional, the drawing's creation reflects a society deeply shaped by trade and seafaring. The techniques are rooted in skilled draftsmanship but serve to depict a scene celebrating commerce. The choice of watercolor brings a lightness that contrasts with the heavy implications of maritime trade. The drawing invites us to consider the immense labor and global exchange behind the Dutch Golden Age. By representing this public display, Van der Meer prompts us to think about how materials, techniques, and cultural values intersect, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.