Sketch of Captain Anderson’s Sailing Vessel 1893

Anders Zorn sketched Captain Anderson’s sailing vessel in pencil, likely during one of his many travels. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the art world was changing, with artists seeking new ways to represent the world around them. Zorn, a Swedish artist, often depicted scenes from everyday life, and this sketch provides insight into the maritime culture of his time. The detailed rendering of the sailing vessel, with its intricate rigging and robust hull, speaks to the importance of seafaring in the social and economic life of the era. The second boat overflowing with passengers could tell us something about social class and movement in the artist's period. To fully understand this sketch, we might delve into the history of maritime technology, looking at shipping records and nautical publications. The meaning of art is contingent on such social and institutional contexts.