Schipbreuk van de Overhout, 1777 1783 - 1795

Reinier Vinkeles created this engraving, *Schipbreuk van de Overhout*, in 1777. It captures a ship overwhelmed by turbulent seas, a stark image that resonates with the Netherlands' deep connection to maritime trade and its inherent risks. The Dutch Golden Age, just past its peak, had seen the nation rise to global prominence through its seafaring prowess, but this came at a cost. Shipwrecks were a frequent tragedy, impacting families and the economy. Vinkeles’ image, therefore, wasn't just a depiction of a disaster; it was a commentary on the vulnerability of a society so reliant on the sea. We can understand this work better by looking into the archives of the Dutch East India Company, or VOC, and the records of maritime insurance. These sources reveal not only the scale of the shipping industry but also the human stories behind each vessel. Art like this serves as a powerful reminder of the precarious balance between progress and peril in the 18th century.