Dwarsdoorsnede van twee lichters bij een schip 1774

Barent de Bakker's "Cross-section of two camels under a ship" presents a detailed look into Dutch maritime engineering. This technical drawing is not just about the mechanics of shipbuilding; it reflects the ambitions and identity of the Dutch Republic. During this period, maritime power was inextricably linked to national identity. The ships were the sinews of a vast global trade network which facilitated the movement of goods and, of course, enslaved people, across continents. The drawing emphasizes the mastery and complexity required to maintain their dominance on the seas. The artist subtly weaves a narrative of Dutch ingenuity, demonstrating how deeply intertwined shipbuilding was with Dutch identity. The emotional connection to these vessels, symbols of both national pride and a complex colonial history, is palpable.