De lastige doorvaart 1894 - 1959

This lithograph, "De lastige doorvaart" by Gordinne, uses a comic strip format to narrate a challenging sea voyage. The arrangement of scenes across the page creates a fragmented, non-linear experience, typical of early visual storytelling. Gordinne employs a palette of muted browns, blues, and reds, establishing a somber, almost melancholic mood. This is further enhanced by the texture of the lithographic print, which lends a sense of grit and authenticity to the maritime setting. The composition is carefully structured, with each panel acting as a window into a different moment of the journey. The artist uses these elements to convey not just a story, but also a commentary on human struggle against nature. The fragmented narrative and subdued colors evoke the unpredictable and often harsh realities of life at sea. The work reflects a broader cultural fascination with maritime adventure, while subtly questioning the romanticized narratives often associated with it.