Delfshaven 1864 - 1910

Cornelia van Trigt-Hoevenaar created this etching of Delfshaven, where the monochromatic palette and textural richness evoke a sense of quiet contemplation. The composition is anchored by the imposing forms of two large ships dominating the foreground. Their vertical masts and rigging create a complex network of lines that contrast with the horizontal stillness of the water. Van Trigt-Hoevenaar uses the etching technique to full effect, varying the density and direction of lines to suggest depth and texture. The mirrored reflections on the water’s surface fragment and abstract the forms, blurring the line between the material and the ephemeral. In her broader artistic practice, Van Trigt-Hoevenaar often portrayed landscapes and cityscapes through the lens of Dutch Impressionism. Here she uses the visual language of etching to challenge the viewer's perception of reality. The scene is transformed into a study of light, shadow, and surface, inviting us to reflect on the transient nature of what we see.