Gezicht op een deel van de haven van Vlaardingen 1746 - 1775

Jan Caspar Philips created this print of a section of the port of Vlaardingen sometime between 1700 and 1775. At the time, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, and port cities like Vlaardingen were hubs of trade and commerce. Philips’ image reflects the social hierarchy of the time. Affluent merchants and officials are depicted strolling along the quays, while laborers load and unload ships in the background. We see how the success of the Dutch Golden Age was built on the backs of a working class. The ships themselves are a reminder of the complex colonial history of the Netherlands. These vessels facilitated the transportation of goods and people across the globe, furthering Dutch economic interests but also enabling the exploitation of resources and labor in other regions. This print offers a glimpse into a specific time and place, inviting us to reflect on the legacies of maritime trade and colonialism that continue to shape our world. It reminds us that history is not just about grand narratives, but also about the lives and experiences of everyday people.