Havenhoofd te Vlissingen 1860 - 1921

Adolf le Comte created this sketch of the Havenhoofd in Vlissingen using graphite and colored pencil. Le Comte, working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, lived during a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the Netherlands, which spurred debates about national identity and the impact of modernization on Dutch culture. His landscapes often reflect a sense of nostalgia for a pre-industrial past. Here, the pier at Vlissingen is rendered with a starkness that evokes the emotional and material conditions of maritime life. The dark graphite captures the somber mood and the daily struggles of those who depended on the sea for their livelihoods. The pier, normally a symbol of connection and departure, appears isolated under the heavy sky, emphasizing the precariousness of human endeavor against the forces of nature. The subtle use of colored pencil adds a poignant touch, hinting at the resilience and enduring spirit of the community. Through this melancholic sketch, Le Comte invites reflection on the profound connections between the land, the sea, and the human experience.