Kustlandschap met kliffen en vissersdorp 1854

Eugène Cicéri created this coastal landscape scene with cliffs and a fishing village, using graphite and possibly some ink. During the 19th century, rapid industrialization and urbanization were reshaping European societies. Artists like Cicéri often turned to nature, not just for aesthetic inspiration but to express a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, pre-industrial past. The detailed rendering of the cliffs and the quiet depiction of the fishermen, set against the backdrop of a serene sea, evoke a longing for a world untouched by modernity. However, even within this seemingly idyllic scene, we can see signs of change and human impact—small structures nestled into the cliffs, perhaps hinting at the beginnings of tourism or resource extraction. This artwork invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between humanity and the environment, and on the ways in which our perceptions of nature are shaped by our social and historical circumstances. It whispers to us of a world on the cusp of transformation, and of the enduring human desire for connection with the natural world.