Solnedgang 1893

Carl Locher created this etching, named 'Sunset', in 1890. It presents a vision of maritime activity that speaks volumes about Denmark's place in the world at the time. Locher was part of the Skagen group, who were focused on naturalism and plein air painting. But this wasn’t art for art's sake. Denmark, a small nation, relied heavily on its shipping industry and naval power for trade and defence. Locher’s choice of subject matter and realistic style elevated these aspects of Danish society. He valorized the lives of sailors and the importance of maritime industries to the nation's economy. As art historians, we need to look at the social and economic conditions of the time. Archival research, shipping records, and studies of Danish maritime history can give us insights into the cultural meanings of this image. By understanding these contexts, we can appreciate how art reflects and shapes national identity.