Bastia op Corsica 1920

Lodewijk Schelfhout created this etching titled ‘Bastia op Corsica,’ showing a landscape in Corsica. Schelfhout made this print in the early 20th century, a period marked by significant social and political changes across Europe. During this time, the rise of nationalism influenced artistic production, with many artists focusing on local landscapes and cultural identities. Here, the choice of Corsica as a subject reflects the broader trend of regionalism and an interest in depicting diverse cultures. The way Schelfhout portrays Bastia, with its imposing architecture and rugged natural setting, evokes a sense of timelessness. As historians, we often turn to travel journals and guidebooks from the period to better understand the role of tourism and cultural exchange in shaping artistic representations of place. This print invites us to consider how Schelfhout engaged with contemporary ideas about cultural identity and the representation of place.