De branding c. 1851 - 1924

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this drawing of breakers, or 'branding', with black chalk and stump. The scene captures the raw energy of the sea, a subject that resonated deeply with the cultural and economic life of the Netherlands. This work speaks to the Netherlands' unique relationship with the sea. Geography, specifically its low-lying lands, has defined so much of Dutch history. Maritime trade fuelled its Golden Age, but it also necessitated constant vigilance against the sea's destructive power. We might also consider the role of the Hague School, a group of artists active in the late 19th century, and their influence on this drawing. The Hague School sought to capture the mood and atmosphere of the Dutch landscape. By studying the artist's biography, exhibition reviews, and the writings of his contemporaries, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped this evocative image.