Artwork Information

This series records Hollar’s long and winding journey from Prague all the way to the Netherlands between 1627 and 1634. No scene here appears to depict autumn or winter, and this may reflect the difficulty of travelling during the colder months. Only the two etchings of ships tossed on stormy seas point to inclement weather. The pleasure that Hollar took in seeing the ocean for the first time is evident in these two dramatic views. Hollar was careful to avoid references to the destruction wrought by the ongoing war. For this commercial enterprise, he focused instead on prosperous towns and views of quiet landscapes along the rivers on which he travelled.