Zeilschip en sloep op een stormachtige zee c. 1825 - 1875

Petrus Johannes Schotel made this sketch of a ship and boat on stormy seas sometime between 1808 and 1865. Executed on paper with graphite, the drawing speaks to a moment in the history of art when artists turned to the immediacy of sketching to capture raw impressions. Here, the inherent qualities of graphite—its soft, smudgy darkness—create a mood that complements the tempestuous scene. Notice how Schotel uses the side of the graphite to evoke the vastness of the sky and sea, while sharper lines define the ships caught in the tumult. Graphite’s accessibility meant artists could record fleeting observations and impressions quickly. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, the work encapsulates the broader social context of 19th-century maritime trade and labor. The image is a reminder of the sailors who risked their lives navigating treacherous waters and the complex networks of labor, politics, and consumption intertwined with maritime activities. By focusing on the materials and making of this sketch, we recognize how it bridges the gap between fine art and the everyday experiences of its time.