Vissers in de Scheveningse duinen nabij paviljoen Von Wied 1809 - 1844

This print by Abraham Johannes Couwenberg depicts fishermen in the dunes of Scheveningen. The figure pointing represents a gesture we see echoed across centuries; from classical orators to Renaissance depictions of John the Baptist, this pointing serves to direct attention. It’s a signifier of leadership, but also of shared purpose. We find a common bond in the figures resting, tending to their labor, and pointing together toward a future of the sea. Throughout art history, dogs symbolize loyalty, vigilance, and companionship. The dog in this image draws our attention to a gentler, more human aspect of these fishermen's lives. The presence of a dog also adds an element of domesticity to the scene, softening the harshness of the fishermen's labor. These familiar symbols resonate deeply, drawing us into a timeless narrative of human connection to the sea.