Aankomst bij het eiland Mocha, 1615 1617 - 1646

This anonymous engraving, made in 1615, depicts the arrival at Mocha Island. It offers a fascinating insight into the early stages of Dutch colonialism. The image creates meaning by contrasting the orderly arrival of ships with the chaotic activity on the island. Consider how the scene reflects the cultural encounter between the Dutch and the indigenous population. It was made during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, driven by maritime trade and colonial expansion. The focus on Mocha Island, off the coast of present-day Chile, highlights the strategic importance of such locations in the Dutch trading networks. This print is a record of colonial ambition, but it also demonstrates the key role of visual imagery in shaping European perceptions of the wider world. Further research into Dutch East India Company archives and travelogues of the period will reveal more about the economic and social motivations behind such expeditions. Through this we can better understand the role of art in promoting and shaping colonial expansion.