Gezicht op de Schelde bij Veere 1887 - 1889

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this print of the Schelde at Veere, using etching, a technique that allowed for detailed, linear designs. Born in the Netherlands in 1841, his identity as a landscape artist was rooted in the tradition of Dutch realism, yet he was also influenced by the rise of Impressionism. What strikes me about this work is the tranquil stillness of the water, disturbed only by a buoy and a few birds. In the distance, the outline of Veere, a town with a rich maritime history, adds depth. Although seemingly straightforward, seascapes like this carry a weight of historical context. Holland’s identity and prosperity was, for centuries, bound to the sea and its vast colonial endeavors. The emotional pull of this seascape lies in its ability to evoke both a sense of peace and a quiet recognition of a history laden with complexity.