Toren van Belém in de rivier Taag gelegen - Pieter van den Berge

A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Pieter van den Berge showing the Belém Tower on the Tagus River, surrounded by period sailing vessels.

This etching by Pieter van den Berge depicts the Belém Tower, a fortified structure situated on the Tagus River near Lisbon. The composition focuses on the architectural form of the tower, which stands in the water, surrounded by various vessels. To the left, a large sailing ship dominates the foreground, its rigging and sails rendered with precise, fine lines. Smaller boats and skiffs populate the water, suggesting the busy maritime activity characteristic of the region during the period.

The artist employs a clear, descriptive style typical of seventeenth and eighteenth-century topographical prints. The sky is filled with voluminous clouds, providing a sense of atmosphere that balances the rigid geometry of the tower. The water is depicted with repetitive, short strokes that convey movement and texture. Below the image, the print features multilingual inscriptions in Latin, Spanish, Dutch, and French, which identify the location and provide context for the viewer. These labels were common in such works, intended for an international audience interested in geography and naval architecture.

Pieter van den Berge was a Dutch engraver and publisher active in Amsterdam. His work often focused on architectural and maritime subjects, reflecting the Dutch interest in global exploration and trade. This print captures the Belém Tower not merely as a defensive structure, but as a recognisable landmark for sailors and travellers approaching the Portuguese capital. The technical execution demonstrates the precision of the etching process, allowing for the fine detail seen in the ship's masts and the stonework of the tower. The work provides a historical perspective on the appearance of the Tagus estuary, documenting the relationship between the built environment and the river.