Noordwestenwind op de Merwede 1862 - 1914

Alphonse Stengelin created this etching, Noordwestenwind op de Merwede, capturing a serene marine scene. Born in the mid-19th century, Stengelin operated within a historical context of significant industrial and social change, where new technologies coexisted with traditional ways of life. His choice to depict sailboats on the Merwede evokes the essential role of waterways in Dutch society, as corridors for trade, transport, and cultural exchange. The sailboats carry the weight of maritime history, reflecting the identity and labor of those who depend on the water for their livelihoods. The artist's hand delicately renders the wind's influence on the sails and water. There is an emotional undercurrent to the image, a sense of connection to nature. In a rapidly industrializing world, this work encapsulates the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural environment, reminding us of the timeless beauty and power of the sea.