Eibert den Herder: Entrepreneur, activist, painter
NOV 2026 - APR 2027
Temporary exhibition
From November 2026 to April 2027, Museum Schokland will present the exhibition Eibert den Herder: Entrepreneur, Activist, Painter in the Museum Church. The exhibition explores in greater depth the life and artistic work of this resident of Harderwijk, who campaigned against the closure of the Zuiderzee by the construction of the Afsluitdijk in the previous century.
Please note: this exhibition is available in Dutch only.
The closure of the Zuiderzee was one of the largest infrastructure projects of the twentieth century. The project aimed to provide the Netherlands with better protection against flooding and to create new opportunities for agriculture and land reclamation. However, not everyone supported this ambitious plan.
Eibert den Herder was a fierce opponent of the construction of the Afsluitdijk, fearing the far-reaching consequences that the disappearance of the Zuiderzee would have for Harderwijk and its local fishing industry. He voiced his objections through protest letters and also made a documentary about the Zuiderzee, which is featured in this exhibition.
The exhibition includes many of Den Herder's paintings, which clearly reflect his deep connection with the Zuiderzee. Maritime activity is a recurring and prominent theme in his work. The paintings are on loan from Stadsmuseum Harderwijk.
The exhibition invites visitors to look at the closure of the Zuiderzee from a different perspective. Through the eyes of Eibert den Herder, visitors discover what was lost when the Zuiderzee disappeared and how important this inland sea was to the fishing industry and the fishing villages along its shores.
On view: November 2026 through April 2027
Location: Museum Schokland, Pastoriezaal