Kustlandschap met storm, blikseminslag en schipbreuk 1776

Richard Read's "Kustlandschap met storm, blikseminslag en schipbreuk" (1776) is a dramatic depiction of a stormy seascape. The scene is dominated by a large, gnarled tree in the foreground, its branches reaching towards a tumultuous sky. In the distance, a ship is seen breaking apart in the raging waves, with lightning striking the sky. This evocative etching is a powerful representation of nature's destructive power and the vulnerability of humanity in the face of its wrath. Read, an English printmaker and draughtsman, was known for his seascapes and landscapes. This piece is typical of his style, known for its dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as its attention to detail. The use of chiaroscuro highlights the drama of the scene.