Riviergezicht met stoomschip 1862 - 1910

Maurice Hagemans made this small etching, “River View with Steamship,” in Belgium at the turn of the twentieth century. It depicts a steamship docked at a river port against a backdrop of billowing clouds. The Industrial Revolution had brought mass production and technological advancements to Europe. Steamships, like the one depicted here, were essential for trade and transportation, but they also symbolized a changing social and economic landscape. While some artists celebrated industrial progress, others critiqued its impact on the environment and traditional ways of life. Hagemans' etching presents a somewhat ambiguous view, as it doesn't explicitly glorify or condemn the steamship. Instead, it captures a moment in time, inviting viewers to consider the complexities of progress and its consequences. To better understand Hagemans' perspective, it would be helpful to examine his other works, read contemporary accounts of industrialization in Belgium, and research the institutional art landscape of his time.