Twee matrozen wachten in de haven 1756 - 1817

Louis Bernard Coclers created this etching, "Two Sailors Waiting in the Harbor," sometime in the late 18th century. Coclers lived through a period of significant social upheaval, witnessing the decline of aristocratic power. The print depicts two figures in a moment of quiet contemplation at the harbor's edge. Etchings like this one offered a window into the lives of everyday people, reflecting the growing interest in the common man. But consider who gets to represent the common man. The sentimental portrayal of sailors waiting could obscure the harsh realities of maritime life, where class divisions were stark and opportunities limited. Cocler’s choice to focus on the pause, the moment of reflection, invites us to consider our own relationship to the world around us. In what ways do we connect with the people and places that define our lives?