Gondel en zeilboten op het water 1851 - 1924

"Gondel en zeilboten op het water" (Gondola and Sailboats on the Water) is an etching by Dutch artist Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande (1841-1924) which depicts a tranquil scene of sailboats and a gondola on a calm body of water. The etching is on display at the Rijksmuseum and showcases van 's-Gravesande's signature style of depicting atmospheric scenes, particularly of water, using delicate lines and subtle shading. The artist's preference for capturing the effects of light on water is evident in the depiction of the reflections of the boats and the sun's rays breaking through the clouds. The composition is balanced, with the sailboats in the foreground contrasting with the distant cityscape in the background. The piece is a captivating example of van 's-Gravesande's mastery of etching, showcasing his ability to capture the beauty of nature with precision and sensitivity.