Segelboote auf leicht bewegter See 1702

Editor: We are looking at "Segelboote auf leicht bewegter See," or "Sailboats on slightly rough seas," a drawing in pen, Indian ink, and ink on paper, made in 1702 by Wigerus Vitringa. The whole scene has such a gray and watery quality that’s also quite serene. I wonder what story is contained in this snapshot. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, it invites us to consider the human element. Here’s this vast expanse of water, and then we see these sailboats bobbing along, braving it. The artist, with what feels like casual strokes of ink, makes the tiny crafts a statement about adventure and perhaps even our littleness compared to nature. Doesn’t the scene make you wonder where they're off to and who’s on board? I'd venture to guess this feels a bit like a page ripped from the artist’s personal sketchbook, wouldn't you agree? Editor: That makes sense. There is a personal and intimate feel about it. A sort of snapshot from a journey, or a moment to reflect. The detail seems pretty minimal – I wonder if that adds to the feeling that we’re not getting the whole picture? Curator: Exactly! It’s like a snippet of a larger narrative. Maybe Vitringa wants us to fill in the blanks, imagine the salty air, the creak of the wood, the vastness and unknown quality of the sea itself... perhaps reflect on where our own journey leads us. I’m particularly drawn to how the light touches the sails. Notice it? It gives the image a real sense of fleeting time. It makes you feel, for a brief moment, that you are there! Editor: I see that now! I was so focused on the water and the ships. It really is like catching a quick impression, a single lived instant. Thanks for pointing out that aspect of light and time, I feel I’m much closer to experiencing what Vitringa felt.