Marine 1797 - 1838

Curator: Welcome. Here we have "Marine," a pencil, ink and watercolour drawing by Johannes Christiaan Schotel, dating sometime between 1797 and 1838. It’s currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: There’s a tranquility to it. The soft grey washes and delicate lines create a hazy, almost dreamlike vision of boats at harbor. Curator: Indeed. Schotel was known for his marine scenes, but his focus was less on grand, dramatic naval battles and more on the everyday working life connected to the sea. Think of the fishing industry in that era. Editor: And those sails themselves... sails always evoke journeys, departures, arrivals. Each boat feels like a vessel of personal stories, hopes of those on board, especially during this Romantic period of art making. Do you see them also relating to Romanticism? Curator: The Romantic aspect speaks volumes in terms of individual struggle amidst nature’s might. These vessels aren't presented as symbols of naval power but of human endeavors against the natural elements and economy during times of trade via ship. Editor: I see them perhaps as embodiments of ambition, potential freedom, yet also vulnerability facing natural forces... what are those soft shapes representing, symbolically? Curator: It is also rendered primarily in graphite, ink and watercolour on paper – fairly accessible and economical materials, suggesting both an efficiency in production, but perhaps also an audience beyond the traditional wealthy patrons of art. Think merchants of that period as art consumers. Editor: The technique is striking too. The monochromatic scheme, and its lack of rich texture seems like more than just an efficient way to complete artwork… It draws you in for closer observations with softer light! It gives a kind of serene almost somber meditation. Curator: A clever way to emphasize the vastness of the sea. Editor: It is striking. Thinking of maritime journeys with the hopes of future promise... thank you for giving this fresh insight. Curator: My pleasure. Thank you. I have a much more tangible appreciation for Schotel’s "Marine," especially how labor, Romanticism, and economy are being considered.