Kaperkapitein Jarry verovert een Brits schip, 1782 1782

Jan (I) Kobell's etching from 1782, titled 'Kaperkapitein Jarry verovert een Brits schip', presents a marine scene dominated by the interplay of line and form. The composition is structured by the arrangement of ships across the horizon, creating a layered effect that draws the eye into the conflict. Kobell uses the stark contrast of light and shadow to define the shapes of the ships and the turbulent sea. Through these, he creates a spatial tension that animates the scene. The billowing sails and the plumes of smoke from the cannons contribute to a dynamic sense of movement, capturing a moment of intense naval engagement. This etching is a powerful example of how formal elements can converge to convey not just a scene, but the energy and drama inherent in the clash of naval powers. It reminds us that art captures not just historical events, but also the underlying structures of conflict and power.