Golven slaan tegen twee zeilboten op zee 1866 - 1910

Frans Hens’ etching depicts two sailboats struggling against the waves at sea. Hens, who lived from 1856 to 1928, was a Belgian artist known for his seascapes and landscapes. Here the artist captures a moment of raw, untamed nature. The turbulent waves and ominous sky suggest a confrontation with forces beyond human control. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was an increased focus on representing working class people. While not clearly visible here, fishing was a labor intensive and dangerous activity. Are these figures battling the sea, or are they in harmony with it? The viewer is confronted with the fragility of human endeavor against the backdrop of nature's power. This artwork offers a view into the life and labor of those who make their living from the sea.