Drie zeilende schepen 1866 - 1910

Frans Hens created this etching of three sailing ships in an indeterminate year. Notice the striking atmospheric effects achieved through subtle tonal variations and intricate linework. The composition is structured around the interplay between the turbulent sky and the restless sea, each rendered with dense, almost chaotic marks, which evokes a sense of dynamism. Hens uses the etching technique to its full potential, creating a range of textures and tones that mimic the visual experience of a maritime scene. The darker, more defined sails of the foremost ship contrast with the lighter, sketchier treatment of the background elements, creating depth and drawing the eye into the composition. The etching’s monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture, reinforcing the artwork's engagement with materiality and the intrinsic qualities of the etching medium. This is more than just a picture of sailing ships, it is an exploration of form, texture and the very act of representation.