Rivierlandschap met opkomende zon 1854

Joseph Hartogensis created this small etching, Rivierlandschap met opkomende zon, sometime in the mid-19th century. During this period, landscape art was gaining popularity as a means of expressing national identity and romantic ideals. Hartogensis, a Jewish artist in the Netherlands, lived in a society marked by both tolerance and subtle forms of exclusion. His identity may have influenced his artistic perspective. In this work, we see a serene river landscape with a rising sun, which might be interpreted as a metaphor for hope or renewal. The presence of figures along the shore suggests a connection to the land and its potential. There is something here about the quiet dignity of ordinary life. The inscription at the bottom dedicated to a friend offers a personal touch, emphasizing the relationships that sustain us. Through this intimate portrayal, Hartogensis invites us to reflect on the intersection of personal experience and the broader socio-cultural landscape of his time.