L'Eau, from The Elements 1635 - 1670

"L'Eau," from "The Elements" series, is an etching by Reinier Nooms, better known as "Zeeman" (1624-1664). Created between 1635 and 1670, the print depicts a stormy seascape with a ship tossed about in the violent waves. Zeeman is known for his detailed depictions of maritime scenes, and "L'Eau" is a prime example of this. The dramatic use of hatching creates a sense of turbulence and movement, while the small figures in the foreground emphasize the power of the sea. The print is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.