Gezicht op de kust bij Scheveningen gezien vanaf de pier 1851 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this etching titled 'View of the Coast at Scheveningen from the Pier' with black ink. In the late 19th century, the Dutch art world was heavily shaped by the Hague School, known for its realist style and focus on landscape and everyday life. This piece fits neatly within that tradition, illustrating the significance of the Dutch coastline, both economically and culturally. Etchings like this one catered to a growing middle class, keen to own affordable art that reflected their national identity and connection to the sea. Storm van 's-Gravesande's choice of subject and medium speaks to the democratizing trends in the art market at the time. To fully appreciate this work, one could research the art market in the Netherlands at the time it was produced, the history of Scheveningen as a coastal town, and, of course, the life and work of Storm van 's-Gravesande. Historical context is key to understanding the social role of art.