Haven met paarden op de oever 1888 - 1891

Willem Steelink created this etching with drypoint of a harbour scene sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The print captures a bustling harbor with horses and figures rendered in meticulous detail through fine lines and tonal variations. The composition is divided into horizontal layers, with the foreground filled with human and animal activity, leading to a middle ground of boats and structures. In the background, the sky suggests a hazy atmosphere that unifies the scene. The use of etching and drypoint techniques allows for a range of textures, evident in the rough surfaces of the ground and the smooth reflections on the water. This contrasts with the delicate detailing of figures and animals. The arrangement of elements creates a visual rhythm, guiding the eye through the artwork and giving order to its complexity. Steelink's formal decisions enhance the artwork's emotional depth and narrative, allowing the viewer to consider themes of labor, commerce, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world.