Marineschepen in een storm aan de kust 1745 - 1794

Richard Houston created this mezzotint print around 1750, using a copper plate laboriously worked to produce this dramatic scene. Look closely, and you can see how the velvety blacks of the print create an atmosphere of almost unbearable tension. The mezzotint process involves roughening the entire plate, then selectively burnishing areas to create lighter tones. This technique allowed for rich tonal gradations, perfectly suited to capture the tempestuous sea and the ships in distress. The ships themselves, rendered with meticulous detail, bear witness to the immense labor involved in shipbuilding during this era. Consider the countless hours of skilled craftsmanship required to construct these vessels, only to see them succumb to the power of nature. Prints like these were commodities, made for sale in London. This image speaks to the era’s maritime trade and the inherent risks faced by sailors, and reminds us that even the grandest ships are vulnerable in the face of natural forces. By focusing on the materials and the making, we can appreciate the full depth of meaning in this seemingly simple print.