Storm in de bergen bij Seelisberg 1889 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this print of a storm in the mountains near Seelisberg with etching. This dramatic depiction of nature connects to a broader cultural fascination with landscape and the sublime, which gained momentum throughout the 19th century. Here, the artist uses stark contrasts and intricate lines to capture the overwhelming power of a storm. Created in the Netherlands, during a period of increasing industrialization, we can see the rise of landscape art as a reaction to the changing environment. Artists, such as van 's-Gravesande, turned to nature to find solace and to express a sense of national identity rooted in the land. Institutions like the Pulchri Studio, where the artist was a member, played a crucial role in shaping artistic tastes and promoting this kind of landscape imagery. To truly understand a work like this, we can look at exhibition records, artists’ letters, and the publications of art critics. Only by understanding the social and institutional contexts can we appreciate the complex meanings embedded within these images.