Vissersvrouwen en een jongen kijken bij een kruisbeeld uit over een stormachtige zee 1847 - 1909

Edgar Alfred Baes created this print, "Fisherwomen and a boy looking out over a stormy sea at a crucifix," using etching. The composition divides the scene into distinct zones, with the foreground occupied by the figures of the women and a boy, rendered in dark, dense lines that convey a sense of emotional weight and proximity to the viewer. Above, the turbulent sky and sea are depicted with looser, more agitated strokes, creating a contrast. The crucifix anchors the scene vertically, its stark form a visual metaphor for faith amidst turmoil. Baes uses the etching technique to full effect, employing fine lines to capture the nuances of light and shadow, enhancing the dramatic tension. The contrast between the detailed foreground and the more gestural background emphasizes the human figures' vulnerability against the overwhelming forces of nature. The use of diagonal lines in the waves and the figures' postures contributes to the overall sense of unease. The artist's choice to focus on this stark contrast between hope and despair serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition.