Bel bij het veer bij Driel 1855

Joseph Hartogensis created this etching called 'Bell at the ferry near Driel,' sometime in the mid-19th century. Hartogensis, who lived from 1822 to 1865, was a Jewish artist in the Netherlands, a time and place where Jewish identity was often marginalized, yet also undergoing a process of integration. This small, intimate work offers a glimpse into the rural landscapes of the Netherlands, portraying a bell tower near a ferry crossing at Driel. There's a quiet simplicity here, a focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people. In the foreground, we see figures fishing, while the bell tower stands as a symbol of connection and communication. Hartogensis inscribed this etching, dedicating it "to my dear friends." This adds a layer of emotional intimacy, suggesting a personal connection to the scene and the people he depicted. The artwork invites us to reflect on the importance of community, friendship, and the beauty found in the ordinary moments of life.