Moonlit view of a river with fishermen and a town in the background 1753 - 1793

Karel la Fargue created this atmospheric drawing, "Moonlit view of a river with fishermen and a town in the background," using pen and gray ink with gray wash, around the late 18th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic was experiencing economic decline, which impacted artistic patronage and the types of subjects artists chose to depict. La Fargue, working within this context, often captured scenes of daily life, here focusing on the working class. Notice the fishermen, rendered with careful detail, going about their labor under the dim moonlight. The subdued tones and tranquil composition evoke a sense of quiet perseverance, reflecting perhaps the resilience of the common people amid broader societal challenges. The moonlit setting adds a layer of romanticism to an otherwise ordinary scene, subtly elevating the status and dignity of the working class within the Dutch landscape.