Drie marineschepen gaan ten onder in een storm 1745 - 1794

Richard Houston made this mezzotint, 'Drie marineschepen gaan ten onder in een storm', or 'Three naval ships succumbing to a storm', around the mid-18th century. It depicts ships struggling against a turbulent sea under a stormy sky. In 18th-century England, maritime power was a crucial aspect of national identity and economic strength. The image of ships battling the elements was a common theme, reflecting both the dangers faced by sailors and the resilience of British naval power. Prints like these were often commissioned by publishers and sold to a broad public, helping to shape perceptions of the nation’s maritime endeavors. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, is one of many national institutions that played a role in shaping cultural memory, by collecting and displaying artifacts that reinforced certain narratives about national history. Analyzing prints such as this one involves looking into archival sources, such as shipping records and popular literature, to understand its cultural significance. Through such research, we can gain insight into the complex relationship between art, society, and the construction of national identity.