Figuren op een afgemeerd zeilschip voor een kust 1830 - 1860

Albertus van Beest made this drawing of figures on a sailing ship off the coast using graphite and paper. The texture of the paper and the mark-making qualities of graphite allowed him to build up tonal depth and a sense of atmosphere, giving the drawing a misty, Northern light. Van Beest would have used finely sharpened graphite sticks of varying hardness to create the image. The marks range from delicate and wispy to more densely shaded areas. These techniques imbue the scene with social and cultural significance. Maritime transport was the engine of Dutch trade and naval power. The work involved in shipbuilding, sailing, and commerce provided a livelihood for many, and the shipping industry underpinned global networks of consumption, labor, and politics. Examining the materials and the making of this drawing gives insight into the intersection of art, craft, and social context.