Zeegezicht 1762

François Deroy made this print, depicting a coastal scene, using etching. The image gets its richness from the inherent qualities of the etched line – the way it can be made to vary in width and depth, creating tone and texture. Look closely and you’ll see how the etched lines follow the forms of the waves, rocks, and sails, creating a sense of movement and depth. The printmaking process itself has social significance here. Prints like this one were often produced in multiples, making art more accessible to a wider audience. The scene shows dockworkers unloading barrels from the ships, emphasizing the labor and industry that went hand-in-hand with maritime activities. By focusing on the material and the making, we can appreciate how Deroy’s Zeegezicht isn't just a pretty picture, but a record of a specific time and place, reflecting broader social and economic realities.