Visser neemt afscheid van zijn gezin om te gaan werken 1799

"Morning: The Fisherman’s Departure" is a hand-colored mezzotint print created by William Ward in 1799. It depicts a fisherman bidding farewell to his family before setting out to sea. Ward captures the emotion of the moment, with the father’s farewell gesture and the children’s expressions of concern. The depiction of a working-class family engaging in their daily activities is characteristic of Ward’s work, which often depicted scenes of everyday life. The print is a fine example of the mezzotint technique, which creates a rich, velvety texture. It is a moving depiction of a universal theme: the love and sacrifice of a family, and the dangers of a life at sea.