Inspectie van de visvangst 1842

Egidius Linnig made this etching, titled 'Inspection of the fishing catch', in 1856. It shows figures inspecting a fishing catch on the shore with a boat nearby. This small work reflects the artistic interests of its time. Made in Belgium, it captures the daily life of common people, an interest that grew with the rise of Realism in the mid-19th century. Artists turned their attention to the lives of the working class, depicting scenes of labor and leisure with a new sense of respect. This was partly a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, which transformed society and raised questions about labor, class, and the impact of industry on traditional ways of life. Art historians examine such works through a close look at their visual elements, but also by researching the social and economic conditions of the time. We might ask: What was the state of the fishing industry in Belgium then? How were workers viewed and treated? These questions help us understand the cultural values and social dynamics reflected in Linnig’s image.