Pauline Broekema on the VOC Figure of Jacobus Arieszoon Arkenbout in Het Scheepvaartmuseum

In the sixth issue of Museumtijdschrift for 2026, Pauline Broekema explores an 18th-century clay sculpture of VOC sailor Jacobus Arieszoon Arkenbout, housed at Het Scheepvaartmuseum. This piece is one of only two remaining works by an unidentified artist from Canton. Maritime historian Joost Schokkenbroek details Arkenbout's journey: born in Enkhuizen in 1766, he enlisted with the VOC at age thirteen, rose to the position of assistant constable, and reached China in 1792 as a lieutenant aboard De Rozenburg. Broekema highlights the contrast between Arkenbout's anxious demeanor and the confidence of fellow officer Jacob van Dam, suggesting his worried expression might hint at the future wreck of De Zeeland. After leaving the VOC for the navy, he passed away in 1834, with a death notice published by his widow in Opregte Haarlemsche Courant.