Matroos op een boot 1850 - 1899

This is Louis Jaugey’s etching "Matroos op een boot" which translates to "Sailor on a boat". Jaugey, who was born in 1837, would have been working during a time of huge socio-economic change, and saw the rise of the industrial revolution. This etching gives us a glimpse into the lives of working-class mariners. In his depiction of a sailor on deck, Jaugey presents a figure embodying both strength and stoicism. Notice the sailor's gaze, directed outwards, perhaps indicative of the hopes and dreams of those who took to the sea to provide for their families. The rough textures and details of the ship itself underscore the harsh realities of maritime life. Through this piece, Jaugey not only immortalizes the sailor, but also invites us to reflect on the human spirit amidst the challenges of labor and the allure of the sea.