Marine 1852

Anton Melbye made this marine drawing at sea in 1852. It depicts ships navigating a turbulent ocean under a watchful, stormy sky, and invites us to contemplate our relationship with the vast, often unforgiving, natural world. Melbye lived during a time of rapid maritime expansion, driven by trade, colonization, and the exploitation of resources. As a marine painter, his work reflects not only the romance of seafaring but also the socio-political realities of the 19th century. Sailing was a dangerous occupation, often performed by sailors from marginalized communities, and this drawing makes me consider the lives of ordinary seamen. The rough seas and looming sky evoke an emotional response, and Melbye captures the precariousness of their existence, while prompting reflections on our own place within the larger currents of history and the environment.