LUDOLF BACKHUYSEN (Emden 1630 – Amsterdam 1708)
Fisher Folk and Pinks Along the Beach
signed with initials LB on the stone in the lower center
THE ROMANCE OF THE SEA
Ahhh Summer. Many of us take our vacations this time of year and often head straight for the beach, whiling away the days, taking in the sun, swimming in the sea and generally shaking off the stress of the past year. However, in 17th century Netherlands, the beach was not a playground for sunning, it had a different function. Relaxing and enjoying the sun was not part of the program. Beachgoers were there for their own livelihood and not much else.
In the 17th century there was no such thing as a ‘summer vacation’. In our current world it feels an almost impossible thought. The sea – particularly in The Netherlands, was a source of income, not relaxation. The Dutch relied heavily on the sea to bring not only food, but spices, soft goods and other items from far flung places. It was also a place to defend and protect against aggressors. The coast line, including the sea itself was a huge source of emotion for the Dutch. The fight against the water and the erosion of the coastline (and thus the country) versus the protection and prospects that the sea provided constantly opposed each other – a bit of a love/hate relationship.
The Dutch dunes offered a counter to the aggression of the sea. The ever-changing landscape was full of opportunities for the Dutch. This exceptional environment between the flat inland expanses and the North Sea offered protection against the harsh storms and food and fauna for survival. As about a third of the country lies below sea level, the dunes form a crucial barrier against the occasionally wild and rising North Sea. This meant people could live close to the sea (and the food available there) without the harsh, direct exposure to the elements.
At the time Ludolf Backhuysen painted this coastal landscape, he had already become the master at illustrating this push and pull between the sea and the elements. By 1672, he was the most prominent seascape artist in The Netherlands, and understood the art of sea battle compositions and the storms that gave them power. As much as Backhuysen had exerted his dominance over the seascape, this painting feels more like a love letter to those elements that brought him fame. In this stunning scene, divisional lines of sun, clouds, water and sand subtly blend in an atmospheric mix to portray the essence of Holland. The soft glow that Backhuysen has layered over the entire picture conveys a dreamy feeling of warmth and joy. He is painting an ode to the dunes and the calm of the sea- the affectionate side of the love/hate relationship. Painting the elements in a kinder light may have been a way for him to reconcile his connection to the sea. Was this a thank you to the elements he had grown to know and love, also offering him a great source of income and distinction?
Even in our modern times, the coastline of The Netherlands has played its part in history. The area is home to bunkers that were used as defence lines during the Second World War. What’s more, the dunes also provide Amsterdam’s drinking water: water has been extracted here since 1853. The love of the dunes, fear of the sea and protection they both offered has always been part of the fabric of Dutch life. So, when you are enjoying the beach this summer, take a minute to reflect on the people who have earned their livelihood from the sea – not only fisherman, but importers, explorers and don’t forget artists
30 June, 2021