Groote Vissery

About this artwork

Muller beschrijft onder FMH 3013C een ander volledig exemplaar van de serie bestaande uit 32 platen. In dit album zijn slechts 17 prenten uit de serie aanwezig (nrs 1-17).

Art Historical Context

**Groote Vissery** is a captivating etching by Dutch artist Adolf van der La, created sometime between 1728 and1761. Measuring approximately 178 mm high by 207 mm wide, this print belongs to a larger series of 32 plates, as noted by cataloguer Muller under reference FMH 3013C. In the museum's album, visitors can explore the first prints (numbers 1-17), offering a glimpse into what was likely a complete visual chronicle of fishing life. Etching, van der Laan's chosen medium, was a popular intaglio technique in the 18th century, allowing artists to incise fine lines into a metal plate with acid for intricate, reproducible details. This method suited depictions of bustling maritime scenes, and the title *Groote Vissery*—translating to "Great Fishery"—suggests vivid portrayals of Dutch fishing industry, a cornerstone of the nation's economy and culture during its Golden Age aftermath. Such series educated and entertained, preserving everyday heroism on the water. Though not every plate survives here, these etchings highlight van der Laan's skill in capturing the rhythm of 18th-century Netherlands, from teeming harbors to hardy vessels. A window into historical trades, they remind us how art documented the pulse of society. (198 words)

About the Artist

Adolf van der Laan · 1680–1742

Comment on works: copper engraver