Steiger van de veerdienst tussen Antwerpen en Temse 1884

"Steiger van de veerdienst tussen Antwerpen en Temse" is an etching by Henri Seghers, created during a time when the port of Antwerp was a bustling hub of trade and maritime activity. Seghers captures a seemingly ordinary scene: the ferry pier between Antwerp and Temse, with workers wading through the water. Yet, in this mundane moment, we see reflections of labor and the daily lives of the working class, those who were responsible for the smooth operation of this busy port. The detailed lines of the etching highlight the industrial backdrop and the figures of the workers. They also evoke a sense of the emotional and physical demands of their labor. The piece invites us to consider how individual lives intersect with broader economic forces and how art can draw attention to the experiences of those whose contributions often go unnoticed. It’s a reminder of the human element embedded within the machinery of progress.