Havenhoofd te Vlissingen 1869 - 1901

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this etching, titled "Havenhoofd te Vlissingen," using metal plates and acid. It's a great example of how an artist can use industrial processes to capture natural phenomena. Here, the acid biting into the metal creates a visual equivalent to the sea’s relentless energy. Notice the stark contrast between the dark, corroded lines depicting the pier and the lighter, more fluid strokes used for the waves. This contrast is crucial, the etched lines digging deep into the metal plate, much like the sea erodes the pier. The industrial etching process mirrors the natural forces at play, hinting at the power of the sea. Van 's-Gravesande doesn't just depict a scene, he captures the elemental struggle between the man-made and the natural, using the very tools of industry to make his point. This piece reminds us that materials and processes aren't neutral, they carry meaning and can powerfully amplify an artist's vision.