Woonboten in de Voorstraatshaven in Dordrecht 1887 - 1889

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this etching of houseboats in Dordrecht at an unknown date. Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, was an important port. The image shows us not just the city's architecture, but also its reliance on waterways for trade and transport. Notice the houseboats clustered along the Voorstraatshaven. In the 19th century, many Dutch people lived on water due to urbanization and a shortage of housing. These boats weren't just for the working class; some were quite elaborate homes. The architecture in the background reflects the typical Dutch urban landscape of the period. This etching would have been made at a time of significant social and economic change. By studying city archives, historical records of urban planning, and even census data, we can learn more about the conditions that led to the rise of houseboat communities in the Netherlands. Art like this, is a window into understanding social and institutional history.