Artwork

Storm Surge

Storm Surge, by Unknown, 1750
Storm Surge, by Unknown, 1750

Storm Surge is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Storm Surge, attributed to the anonymous creator known as 2034_person, dates to around 1750 and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work is a black‑and‑white image that captures a turbulent coastal scene, juxtaposing human figures with a storm‑laden sea and a modest settlement perched on a hill.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a shoreline beset by a fierce storm, where several individuals are dispersed: some stand and gesture toward the water, while others kneel or lie prone. The chaotic arrangement suggests a collective response to an overwhelming natural force, emphasizing vulnerability and communal reaction.

Technique & Style

Rendered in stark monochrome, the image relies on pronounced contrasts of light and shadow to delineate forms. The chiaroscuro effect accentuates the texture of the crashing waves and the contours of the figures, creating a dramatic visual tension that heightens the sense of immediacy.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, the work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its attribution to 2034_person reflects a later scholarly designation rather than a contemporaneous signature, and the piece has remained within the museum’s collection for public display.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known