Fishing Fleet, from the seventh album of L'Estampe originale by Théo van Rysselberghe

Fishing Fleet, from the seventh album of L'Estampe originale

Théo van Rysselberghe · 1893

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“Stop to appreciate the dramatic atmosphere of this maritime scene. The artist masterfully uses etching and aquatint to capture the light and movement of a fishing fleet, drawing you into a moment on the water.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A fleet of fishing boats, their sails catching the wind, dominates this etching and aquatint. The scene is rendered with a striking sense of atmosphere, as if the viewer is standing on the shore, watching the vessels embark or return. The artist has used a brown ink on tan paper, which lends a warm, almost sepia tone to the entire composition, enhancing the feeling of a timeless, industrious maritime scene. Notice how the light seems to break through the clouds, illuminating the water and the sails with a soft glow. This work was part of L'Estampe originale, a significant album that showcased innovative printmaking at the end of the 19th century, reflecting a broader interest in graphic arts and their potential for capturing everyday life with artistic flair.

DETAILS
Artist
Théo van Rysselberghe
Date
1893
Medium
Etching and aquatint with burnishing, from two plates, in brown, on tan laid paper, tipped to tan wove paper
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
Plate: 22.5 × 28.4 cm (8 7/8 × 11 3/16 in.); Primary support: 23.8 × 31.7 cm (9 3/8 × 12 1/2 in.); Secondary support: 49.8 × 57.1 cm (19 5/8 × 22 1/2 in.)
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Fishing Fleet, from the seventh album of L'Estampe originale
01

The subtle texture of the aquatint creating the sky and water.

02

The way burnishing highlights the sails, making them appear luminous.

03

The small figures on the boats, suggesting human scale and activity.

04

The distinct rigging and details on each fishing vessel.

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