Scheepstimmerwerf in Vlaanderen 1841

Egidius Linnig created this print, “Scheepstimmerwerf in Vlaanderen”, in 1847. This delicate etching depicts a shipyard in Flanders, a region historically known for its maritime activities. In the 19th century, Flanders was undergoing significant economic and social changes, with maritime industries playing a crucial role in its development. Linnig, who himself came from a family of painters with maritime connections, captures this world with incredible detail. Note how he uses light and shadow to create depth, drawing us into the scene. The shipyard is rendered with an emotional and personal dimension, emphasizing the labor and the craftsmanship involved in shipbuilding. One can almost hear the sounds of hammers and saws, and smell the wood and sea. While seemingly a straightforward depiction of labor, it also touches on themes of trade and the human relationship with the sea. Linnig invites us to reflect on the cultural and economic forces that have shaped communities.