River Scene with Boat (Small plate) 1880

Henri-Emile Lessore created this etching called "River Scene with Boat (Small plate)" sometime in the late 19th century. Lessore, a French artist working in a period of rapid industrialization and social change, captures a serene river landscape. The lone figure in the boat prompts questions about individual experience within the broader social landscape. Is this an isolated moment of leisure, or does it represent a deeper connection to the natural world amidst increasing urbanization? The piece avoids idealizing the landscape, instead offering a raw, intimate glimpse into a specific place. It suggests a dialogue between the individual and the environment. Consider the physical act of etching, a process involving labor and craft. The lines etched into the plate mirror the intricate connections between human activity and the natural world. The act of observing and recreating the river scene becomes a way of understanding our place within it.