Tafel van Peilingen in het Nieuwe Diep - Leonard Schenk

A technical hydrographic engraving from the late eighteenth century, detailing depth measurements for the Nieuwe Diep harbour.

This engraving presents a technical hydrographic chart titled Tafel van Peilingen in het Nieuwe Diep. The document functions as a navigational aid, detailing depth measurements for the Nieuwe Diep harbour area. It provides a structured grid of data points, categorised by specific locations such as the Wier Hoofd and the Jagthaven Hoofd. The text includes a formal note regarding the methodology of the soundings, referencing the years 1782 and 1784.

As a piece of cartographic history, the work reflects the precision required for maritime safety in the eighteenth-century Netherlands. The layout is strictly functional, prioritising clarity and numerical accuracy over decorative elements. The typography is characteristic of the period, with clear, legible numerals arranged in rows and columns to assist mariners in navigating the shifting sands and depths of the harbour. The inclusion of specific location markers, such as Paal A through Paal E, indicates a systematic approach to surveying the seabed.

This print is a document of maritime infrastructure. It captures the intersection of science and commerce in the Dutch Republic, where accurate hydrographic data was essential for the operation of the naval and merchant fleets. The engraving process allows for the reproduction of these complex tables with high fidelity, ensuring that multiple copies could be distributed to pilots and harbour masters. The aesthetic is one of utilitarian order, typical of Enlightenment-era technical documentation. The presence of the stamp in the lower right corner suggests this copy was once part of a formal archive or institutional collection. It provides a window into the practical application of printmaking for the purpose of disseminating vital navigational information during the late eighteenth century.