Zeegezicht met zeilboot en baken 1842

Egidius Linnig created this etching of a 'Sea View with Sailing Boat and Beacon' sometime before his death in 1860. Linnig, who came from a family of painters, was deeply engaged with representing the maritime world, and the cultural identity associated with it. Here, we see a small sailing boat braving choppy waters. What stories do these figures carry with them, and what journeys are they embarking on? The beacon to the left of the boat stands as a symbol of guidance, but perhaps also of the reliance on infrastructure which was becoming more common in Linnig's time. Although modest in size, this work hints at broader issues of trade, exploration, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The artist uses delicate lines to render a scene bustling with activity, inviting us to reflect on the complex narratives embedded in maritime life.