Ved Skagens Sydøstkyst 1899

Carl Locher made this etching, "Ved Skagens Sydøstkyst," showing a boat with fishermen in Skagen, Denmark. In the late 19th century, Skagen became an artists' colony, attracting painters drawn to its dramatic landscapes and the lives of its fishermen. This image, with its focus on labor and the natural environment, embodies a fascination that was shared with Naturalist writers of the time, like Émile Zola. We see the fishermen heading out on a windy day, with a sailing ship in the distance. In the foreground is an object that seems to be used for marking fishing locations. Locher was deeply engaged in the maritime culture of Denmark. Art historians can investigate the archives of the Skagens Museum and historical records of Danish fisheries. The image offers insight into the culture and economy of coastal communities in Denmark.