Visser uit Dordrecht aan de kust 1825 - 1835

Jean-Baptiste Madou created this print of a fisherman from Dordrecht on the coast using lithography. The composition draws us in with its subtle tonal variations, primarily in grayscale, creating a soft, almost dreamlike quality. The fisherman is depicted in profile, his figure carefully balanced with the coastal landscape. Madou's choice of lithography allows for delicate lines and smooth gradations, especially evident in the rendering of the fisherman's clothing and the rugged texture of the coastal rocks. The structure of the composition, with the fisherman slightly off-center, creates a dynamic tension, inviting the eye to explore the broader environment. The fisherman’s stance, seemingly caught between action and stillness, reflects a broader artistic interest in capturing fleeting moments. Madou uses the formal qualities of line and tone to evoke a sense of quiet observation. Ultimately, the work is a study in contrasts: the solid form of the fisherman against the fluid, undefined space of the coast.