Vuurtoren van Blankenberge 1850 - 1899

Louis Jaugey created this print of the Vuurtoren van Blankenberge, or Blankenberge Lighthouse, sometime in the 19th century. At this time, industrialization and colonial expansion shaped the lives of many Europeans. The lighthouse is not merely a functional structure, it is symbolic of this era. It represents progress, safety and control over the natural world. In port cities like Blankenberge, lighthouses were crucial for maritime trade. Jaugey's choice to depict it using etching adds another layer of meaning. Etching was a technique that allowed for detailed and precise representations, mirroring the scientific and industrial advancements of the period. The stark contrast and clean lines emphasize the lighthouse's imposing presence, reflecting a sense of confidence in human ingenuity. What feelings does this artwork evoke in you? Does it inspire a sense of security, or does it also speak to a history of colonial ambition and its impact on societies and environments worldwide?