Twee vissers aan de waterkant (het IJ?) 1640 - 1677

Anthonie van Borssom created this pen and brown ink drawing of two fishermen by the waterside, possibly the IJ, in the mid-17th century. The image encapsulates the burgeoning Dutch interest in everyday life and labour. During this time, the Netherlands saw significant economic growth, largely fuelled by maritime trade and fishing. Borssom's choice to depict this scene reflects a broader cultural appreciation for the working class, deviating from traditional art subjects of the elite. The seemingly simple scene raises questions. Was the artwork commissioned? Or was it a personal study? Either way, its existence speaks to the changing social values of the time. To fully appreciate this work, one might explore the economic history of the Dutch Golden Age, examining how the fishing industry contributed to its prosperity. By understanding the context in which it was created, we can appreciate its subtle commentary on the social structures of its time.