Gezicht op een kust met schepen en boten op het water bij maanlicht 1753 - 1797

Pierre François Basan created this print of a moonlit coastal scene with ships and boats, but the date is unknown. Moonlit seascapes were popular in the 18th century, reflecting the growing interest in depicting nature and its sublime qualities. The scene captures the daily life of a coastal community, with fishermen tending to their nets under the watchful eye of the moon. In the background, a windmill stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the harnessing of natural resources. Made in France, this picture idealizes rural life, perhaps influenced by the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It also reflects the social and economic importance of maritime activities in 18th-century Europe. To fully understand this artwork, we might research the maritime history of the Netherlands during this period and examine the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities. This print reminds us that art is always shaped by the social and institutional contexts in which it is produced and consumed.