Reizen en ongemakken op reis 1838 - 1892

Hermann van der Moolen created this print titled "Reizen en ongemakken op reis" sometime in the 19th century. At first glance, the composition, segmented into various scenes, mimics a page from a children's book, each vignette illustrating travel related mishaps. The use of engraving lends a stark contrast between light and shadow. These sharp, linear strokes build detailed narratives, focusing on the difficulties and uncertainties of travel. In several vignettes, we see carriages struggling against nature's obstacles— traversing rocky terrains or navigating treacherous snow. This constant negotiation with the environment suggests a deeper commentary on human ambition versus natural forces. The artist masterfully uses line and form to create a narrative not just of physical journeys, but of existential struggles against uncontrollable elements. These formal choices reflect the era's concerns with progress and exploration, questioning the dominance of man over nature.