Zeeman vanaf de duinen uitkijkend over zee 1836 - 1892

Elchanon Verveer made this watercolor of a seaman around the mid-19th century. A traditional medium, watercolor allows for both precision and subtle atmospheric effects. Here, Verveer has used it to create a vivid sense of place, focusing our attention on the figure of a seaman looking over the water. Verveer’s application of watercolor is particularly effective in capturing the texture of the seaman’s clothing. His weathered vest and cap convey a sense of the hard labor and exposure to the elements that define his life. Notice how Verveer uses thin washes of color to suggest the rough, worn surfaces of these garments. The technique invites us to think about the social context of the image, the working lives of those connected to the sea. In its attention to material and social context, this painting transcends the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft. The materials and processes of its making are integral to its meaning.