Drie zeilschepen bij storm op zee 1924

Lodewijk Schelfhout made this etching of three sailing ships in a storm, sometime between 1900 and 1943. The scene speaks to the Netherlands’ long history of maritime power, but it also reminds us of the ever-present dangers of the sea. The image creates meaning through stark contrasts of light and shadow, emphasizing the rough waves and ominous sky. Etchings like these were relatively cheap to produce and collect, and they were often displayed in the home. It is important to remember that, although the Netherlands was neutral during World War I, life at sea was precarious during wartime. Perhaps the artist hoped to convey the strength and resilience of the Dutch people in the face of adversity? As art historians, we must look to social and institutional contexts when interpreting artworks like these. The Rijksmuseum’s collection is a great place to start! We can then draw our own conclusions about the artist’s intentions and the artwork’s cultural significance.