During the 17th century the North River (Hudson River) was the primary trading route inland for the Dutch colonial possession of New Netherland. The river connected the settlement of Fort Orange (Albany) with the major transshipment hub of New Amsterdam (New York City). Dutch vessels ranging in size from 5 to 200 tons carried cargos of furs and trade goods up and down the Hudson on a regular basis. This painting depicts a Dutch ketch of approximately 35 tons at low tide at the mouth of the Catskill Creek in 1645. The ship carries a fore and aft rig with a main spritsail, lateen mizzen and a small jib. It is not commonly known that the Hudson River has a tidal change of nearly 6 feet, and that in the absence of docks, skippers of sailing vessels for centuries took advantage of the tide to ground their ships and more easily facilitate loading. The ketch depicted is based on the research of the noted maritime historian, William A. Baker, from his book "Colonial Vessels."
Image size approximate
Print Details
Type: Giclée Edition ~ Signed & Numbered Prints
Image size: 12 x 16 inches
Price: 175.00
