Artwork
Departure of Two Fishermen
Departure of Two Fishermen is an ink print by the Baroque artist Antonie Waterloo. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
An etching titled *Departure of Two Fishermen* was produced by the Dutch artist Anthonie Waterloo around 1650. The print depicts a tranquil riverside setting where modest dwellings line the water’s edge and a small boat is being launched by two figures. The composition conveys a moment of quiet activity within an otherwise still landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The scene centers on two fishermen preparing to leave, their boat gently pushing away from a shore populated by nearby onlookers. Adjacent houses, one with a sloping roof and chimney and another appearing to rest directly over the water, frame the activity. The surrounding trees and shrubbery enhance the sense of a modest, everyday rural life.
Technique & Style
Waterloo employed the etching process, incising fine lines into a metal plate to render delicate details such as water ripples, clothing folds, and architectural elements. The resulting print is characterized by precise line work and a subtle tonal range that emphasizes texture and depth without reliance on heavy shading.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑17th century, the work reflects the Dutch Republic’s interest in genre scenes and riverine landscapes. While specific ownership records are scarce, the print is documented as part of Waterloo’s oeuvre and is referenced in catalogues of Dutch printmakers from the period.
Artist & collection
