Zeilschepen op onrustig water 1786

"Zeilschepen op onrustig water" (Sailing Ships on Rough Water), an etching by Dutch artist Gerrit Groenewegen (1754-1826), depicts a scene of several ships navigating through choppy waters. This 1786 piece, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases Groenewegen's skill in capturing the movement and detail of sailing vessels, a popular subject in Dutch marine art. The etching, measuring just 120 mm by 150 mm, masterfully uses light and shadow to portray the ships and their surroundings with a sense of realism and dynamism. This work exemplifies Groenewegen's contribution to the maritime art tradition, offering a glimpse into the daily life and challenges of those who sailed the seas during the 18th century.