Häuserzeile am Wasser, vorne zwei Kähne mit einem Angler 

Johannes Hendrik Knoop created “Häuserzeile am Wasser, vorne zwei Kähne mit einem Angler,” or “Row of Houses by the Water, in Front Two Barges with a Fisherman” as it translates, using pen and watercolor. Knoop lived through a period of political and social upheaval in Europe, including the rise of nationalism and various revolutions. In this piece, Knoop depicts a tranquil waterside scene, possibly capturing a simpler way of life that was increasingly threatened by industrialization. The lone fisherman could be seen as an exploration of the individual's relationship to nature. In his era, a growing segment of society moved to urban centers as a result of these historical changes. The soft colors and detailed rendering evoke a sense of nostalgia. Knoop seems to be seeking to capture an atmosphere laden with the memory of what was being lost. This artwork then is both a personal reflection and a commentary on broader cultural shifts.