Studieblad met zeegezichten c. 1825 - 1875

Petrus Johannes Schotel made this study sheet of seascapes with pen in grey ink sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Maritime painting experienced a surge in popularity in the Netherlands during this period due to a renewed sense of national pride, with artists such as Schotel capturing the Dutch relationship to the sea. This sheet is composed of quick sketches with a focus on the ever-changing sky and the dynamism of waves. These seascapes, with their emphasis on movement and atmosphere, also demonstrate the artist's role as a keen observer of nature. Such preliminary studies are important for understanding how artists developed their compositions. By studying sketches like these, alongside written records and historical accounts, we can better understand the cultural and artistic context in which the artist worked and appreciate the nuances of their final works. Ultimately, the meaning of any artwork is contingent on its social and institutional history, and the art historian’s role is to uncover these layers of meaning.