Maart 1722 - 1784

Curator: Here we have “Maart,” a captivating engraving and ink drawing crafted between 1722 and 1784 and attributed to Simon Fokke. It resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first impression is the stark contrast; the crisp lines create a sense of immense activity despite the monochrome palette. It evokes a feeling of hard work meeting the vastness of nature, a visual representation of social realism in that period. Curator: Absolutely. Fokke’s imagery provides such insight. Look at the prominent tower. While towers, like obelisks and spires, often signal hierarchy and even spiritual transcendence, what do you make of it juxtaposed here with working class figures in such a common seascape? Editor: It brings up the intersection of power and labor in 18th century Dutch society. The imposing tower could represent the Church or State, overlooking—and arguably benefitting—from the laborers depicted on the beach. The workers seem small compared to it, reflecting their social status at the time, toiling away in this coastal town. Curator: It also subtly suggests the dominance of the church as the tallest building in town – as above, so below! It would have functioned as an imposing spiritual landmark in daily lives. Consider, too, that maritime trade and fisheries comprised a substantial part of the Dutch economy, creating jobs… but under often challenging conditions for sailors, fishers and their families. The seascape underscores both possibility and vulnerability. Editor: Right, that element of risk. Even the clouds churning in the background can be interpreted as a symbol of that instability and the potential disruption that weather or larger socio-economic forces could unleash on these individuals. How would their lives and labors contrast, say, with elites safely within the town and tower? Curator: We cannot dismiss the importance of place, either. Harbor images in the Netherlands served as signifiers of international ambition – control of waters meant power over the markets, resources, and perhaps new cultural influences, as well. These harbors provided key routes and economic sustenance, after all. Editor: True, but these visuals were very much deployed for civic ideology – they weren’t neutral! We can imagine Fokke having to weigh that. In any event, what's compelling is this layered view. It allows us to consider these intersections of economic opportunity, religious structures, and landscape in one concentrated visual. Curator: Indeed. Fokke’s creation really leaves us to contemplate both the immediate narratives of work and resilience while offering layered consideration about the society that enabled them. Editor: Absolutely. It is also important for the audience to question this perspective and the choices Simon Fokke has made to portray this snapshot of Dutch life.