Gezicht op de Nieuwe Haven in Dordrecht 1851 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this etching of the Nieuwe Haven in Dordrecht. Storm van 's-Gravesande was one of a number of Dutch artists in the late 19th century who embraced etching as a way to depict modern life. Here, he captures the bustling activity of the harbor with its boats and buildings, yet the hazy atmosphere lends the scene an air of timelessness. Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, had a rich maritime history, and the Nieuwe Haven was a vital hub for trade and transportation. The artist's choice of etching, a printmaking technique known for its delicate lines and tonal variations, reflects a broader interest in capturing fleeting moments and subjective experiences. The Rijksmuseum, as a national institution, plays a role in preserving and presenting such works, shaping our understanding of Dutch cultural heritage. By studying the artist's biography, the history of Dordrecht, and the development of etching techniques, we can gain a deeper understanding of this artwork's significance within its social and institutional context.