Republic at Sea

Low Lands

The Netherlands was initially known as the Low Lands. To outsiders, it seemed like the land was dissolving into the sea. Water was everywhere, leading to floods but also creating opportunities for fishing and trade. This is beautifully depicted in the painting “Ships on a Dutch Roadstead” by Adam Willaerts from 1627, which opens the exhibition. The beach is bustling with activity: fish is being sold, people are taking a stroll, two gentlemen are riding horses, and a rowboat is ferrying passengers to a ship. On the horizon, various merchant vessels are passing by, including two galleys associated with the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing the international nature of maritime trade.