Het Nut en Vermakelik Gebruyk van Verscheyde Binne-Waters; Constigh afgeteeckent en in't Cooper gebracht door R.N. Zeeman

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 12

Art Historical Context

**Het Nut en Vermakelik Gebruyk vancheyde Binne-Waters** is a delicate etching by Reinier Nooms, also known as R.N. Zeeman, a masterful Dutch artist of the Golden Age (active mid-17th century). Measuring just 133 mm high by 205 mm wide, this intimate print captures the "useful and entertaining use of inland waters," likely depicting Amsterdam's innovative water systems, canals, or leisure scenes along inland waterways. Nooms, famed for his maritime etchings and vivid portrayals of ships and harbors, here applies his keen eye for detail to everyday Dutch life, blending utility with delight in a bustling republic powered by water trade. Etching, Nooms' preferred medium, involved biting acid into a copper plate to create fine, expressive lines—perfect for reproducing intricate compositions that could be widely distributed. This technique democratized art during the 17th century, allowing collectors across Europe to own glimpses of Holland's prosperity. The presence of Lugt 12, the mark of esteemed print collector Frits Lugt, underscores its enduring value and provenance. Visitors will appreciate how this work reflects the Dutch Golden Age's obsession with water as both economic lifeline and source of pleasure, inviting us to ponder the harmony of function and fun in a watery world.

About the Artist

Reinier Nooms · 1613–1664

Comment on works: Marines; View