Zeilboot op een kust 1797 - 1838

Johannes Christiaan Schotel created "Zeilboot op een kust" during a time when the Netherlands was deeply engaged with maritime power and trade. The sea was central to the Dutch identity, economy, and geopolitical influence. In this watercolor we see Schotel’s representation of a sailboat. It’s a simple scene, yet it speaks volumes about the relationship between the Dutch and the sea. Schotel grew up in a family of sailors, and later dedicated his artistic practice to marine painting. For Schotel, the sea wasn’t merely a backdrop, but a space of labor, freedom, and danger. While the artwork is ostensibly about seafaring, it also subtly alludes to themes of colonialism and trade. The ship becomes a symbol of the Dutch presence on the world stage, carrying goods, people, and power across the oceans. How can we reconcile the beauty of the artwork with the darker aspects of maritime history? Pondering this question opens up a space for reflection on the complex narratives embedded in seemingly simple images.