Gezicht op de kust van IJmuiden met vuurtoren en schip 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this drawing of the coast of IJmuiden with lighthouse and ship in 1902. I can imagine the artist outside, braving the elements, trying to capture the essence of the place with quick, fleeting marks. There's a beautiful dance between the grays, blues, and whites, a kind of moody, atmospheric haze that feels both calming and a little unsettling. Look at how the lighthouse is rendered with such simple, gestural strokes, yet it stands tall and proud against the sky. It feels like an invitation to get lost in the landscape, to feel the wind and the sea, and to contemplate the impermanence of things. It makes me think about other artists who’ve tried to capture the sublime beauty of nature, like Turner or Whistler, but there’s something uniquely personal and intimate about this little drawing.