Boot te Malta Possibly 1664

Willem Schellinks made this pen and brown ink drawing titled "Boot te Malta" sometime in the mid-17th century. The sketch depicts a boat in Malta, an island nation with a history of maritime activity. Schellinks was Dutch, and during this period the Dutch Republic was at the peak of its Golden Age, with its merchant fleet dominating global trade routes. Malta, strategically located in the Mediterranean, was a key port of call. This drawing is not just a depiction of a boat but also a window into the economic and geopolitical dynamics of the time. The Dutch interest in Malta reflects their broader commercial ambitions and naval power. To fully understand this work, we can consult historical shipping records, trade agreements, and accounts from Dutch merchants and travelers. Art is never created in a vacuum; it is contingent on social and institutional contexts.