Gezicht op de Schelde bij avond 1889 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this etching titled 'Gezicht op de Schelde bij avond' or 'View of the Scheldt at Evening'. The print depicts a tranquil view of the Scheldt river at dusk, capturing the serene atmosphere of the Dutch waterways. Made in the late 19th century, it reflects the period’s fascination with landscape and the rise of the art market. The etching technique, favored by artists like van 's-Gravesande, allowed for detailed and reproducible images, catering to a growing middle class interested in collecting art. The Scheldt river, vital for trade and transportation, symbolizes the economic and cultural life of the Netherlands. Etchings like these served not only as aesthetic objects but also as records of the time. Art historians consult a range of resources—from exhibition catalogs to economic data—to understand the artistic and social context in which artworks like these were made. The meaning of art changes over time, depending on how cultural institutions shape them.