Zeegezicht 1834 - 1903

Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch sketched this evocative sea view with graphite on paper. Weissenbruch was a key figure in the Hague School, a movement that sought to capture the authentic atmosphere of the Dutch landscape and its connection to national identity. This sketch is a study of light and atmosphere. The simple marks on the paper convey the raw, unpredictable nature of the sea. In 19th century Dutch society, there was an interest in depicting the everyday life of the working class. Weissenbruch was known for his emotional connection to nature, and for focusing on its impact on the common person. This work serves as a reminder of the essential place of nature in human experience. It challenges traditional, idealized landscapes, instead presenting a personal vision of the natural world.