Jonge man die de kurk uit een fles trekt 1777

Jordanus Hoorn created this drawing of a young man opening a bottle with charcoal and pencil. It’s difficult to know the exact date of the work. The artist lived between 1753 and 1833, so we know it was made sometime within that period. The image presents us with a glimpse into Dutch society, a world in which leisure and social gatherings likely revolved around the consumption of wine or spirits. The young man’s attire and posture suggest he belongs to a particular social stratum, perhaps the emerging middle class. The act of opening a bottle, seemingly mundane, becomes a symbol of social rituals and the pursuit of pleasure. The artist provides a window into the culture of his time. To fully understand this drawing, we need to delve into the archives, studying the social customs and drinking habits of the Dutch people. Only then can we appreciate the nuances of this seemingly simple image and its commentary on the social structures of its time.