Riviergezicht met vissers bij Kruibeke 1842

Jean Théodore Joseph Linnig created this etching titled "River View with Fishermen near Kruibeke." During the 19th century, representations of rural life often carried nationalistic undertones, portraying an idealized vision of the nation's identity rooted in the land and its people. Linnig, however, seems to offer a quieter, more intimate view of labor and leisure. Look at the fishermen; there is a palpable sense of calm, a kind of unhurried rhythm that speaks to the pace of life in this riverside community. The humble cottages with their thatched roofs, set against the backdrop of lush trees, evoke a sense of belonging and tradition. The figures are depicted as part of the landscape, suggesting a harmonious relationship between people and nature. Linnig's work invites us to consider how identity is shaped by our connection to the land, how our personal histories are interwoven with the places we inhabit and the work we do.