Studie c. 1825 - 1875

Petrus Johannes Schotel created this work, titled 'Studie', during the 19th century. Schotel was a well-regarded marine artist who lived during a time of intense maritime activity and colonial expansion for the Netherlands. Although this artwork is not figurative, we can still view it as an archive of cultural and social contexts. It represents the artist's process and personal development. As a study, this artwork displays a moment in time. In Schotel’s finished works, he depicted the grandeur of the seas and the vessels that navigated them. 'Studie', in contrast, shows us the preparation and intimate engagement an artist had with their subject. Consider how artistic studies like this one contribute to our understanding of identity and history. How did the artist understand himself in relation to the world? What impact has Dutch maritime history had on the cultural identity of the Netherlands? While understated, 'Studie' offers a look into the foundations upon which grander narratives are built.