Schepen op het strand bij Étretat 1851 - 1924

This is Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande's etching, "Ships on the beach at Étretat." Born in 1841, the artist lived through a time of great change. Industrialization was rapidly reshaping landscapes and livelihoods, and the art world was similarly transforming. Here we see several fishing boats resting on the shore, their tall masts reaching into a pale sky. The scene offers a glimpse into the lives of the fishermen whose existence was deeply entwined with the sea. They represent not only labor but also a connection to nature. The choice of Étretat, a coastal town in Normandy, as the setting, might reflect a yearning for the simplicity of rural life amidst the rise of urban centers. Storm van 's-Gravesande, part of a generation grappling with shifting social values, captures more than just a scene; he encapsulates a moment in time, an intimate portrayal of human existence.