Twee schepen op zee bij storm 1761 - 1779

Hendrik Kobell rendered this image of two ships at sea during a storm using pen, brush and grey ink. The relatively straightforward materials belie the drawing's complex relationship to the Dutch maritime industry, as the ships were essential to trade and expansion. The ink, applied in washes, lends itself well to depicting the turbulent sea and ominous sky. The skilled application of the brush creates a sense of depth and movement, and the precise pen work defines the ships' rigging. This combination mirrors the skill and labor required to build and sail these vessels. This work reflects the broader social context of the 18th century, when maritime power was closely linked to economic prosperity and global influence. The ships, though threatened by the storm, symbolize the era's ambition and the human struggle against the elements. Paying attention to the materials and processes used in creating art enriches our understanding, and prompts us to reconsider traditional boundaries between art, craft, and their cultural contexts.