Scheepswerf 1879

Félix Hilaire Buhot created this etching called ‘Scheepswerf’, a Dutch word for shipyard. The exact date of its making is unknown, but it gives us a glimpse into the social and industrial landscape of the late 19th century. Buhot, as an artist, was deeply invested in capturing the nuances of daily life and labor. The scene depicts bustling activity: ships under construction and workers immersed in their tasks. It prompts reflection on the lives of the working class, their contributions, and the conditions they endured. The print invites us to consider issues of class, labor, and the human cost of industrial progress. Buhot's work reminds us of the emotional weight carried by landscapes shaped by human activity. This etching is not just a depiction of a place; it's an invitation to reflect on the stories, struggles, and humanity embedded within the industrial world.