Gezicht op een kade 1897

Albert Baertsoen created 'Gezicht op een kade,' or 'View of a Quay,' using etching techniques. Baertsoen, who lived through a transformative period in European history, situated himself in a time of significant industrial and social change. Born in Ghent, Belgium, he often depicted landscapes and cityscapes that reflect the somber and industrial atmosphere of his surroundings. In this piece, the detailed rendering of the quay and the subtle gradations of light and shadow evoke a sense of quiet introspection, a characteristic feature of the Symbolist movement which was popular at the time. Baertsoen’s choice to focus on the industrial landscape can be viewed as a commentary on the changing face of Europe. His work offers us a glimpse into the emotional and psychological impact of modernity, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between humanity and its environment.