Pier van Scheveningen in aanbouw 1851 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this etching of the Pier van Scheveningen in aanbouw. During the late 19th century, Scheveningen, a coastal town in the Netherlands, was undergoing significant transformation. The construction of the pier was part of a larger effort to modernize the area and attract tourism. This etching captures a moment in that process, showing not just the physical structure, but also hinting at the social and economic changes taking place. The pier itself is more than just a construction project; it's a symbol of progress, leisure, and the evolving relationship between humans and nature. It represents a deliberate intervention in the natural landscape, designed to facilitate recreation and commerce. The etching also speaks to the growing importance of coastal regions as destinations for recreation, driven by industrialization. To fully understand the social context of this image, one could explore historical archives and local newspapers, which reveal how these developments shaped the community's identity. Ultimately, the etching invites us to consider the ways in which art reflects and shapes our understanding of a changing world.