Paard-en-wagen c. 1863

This drawing, Paard-en-wagen, by Cornelis Springer, gives us a glimpse into 19th-century Dutch life. Springer, known for his cityscapes, often captured the Netherlands with a sense of nostalgia. This sketch of a horse and wagon transports us to a time when these were essential for daily life and commerce. The image evokes questions about labor, class, and the relationship between humans and animals. Who owned this wagon? What kind of work was this horse doing? We can imagine the working-class individuals who depended on such transportation for their livelihoods. While Springer's paintings often idealized Dutch cities, drawings like these remind us of the raw, unvarnished realities of the era. Springer's works invite us to reflect on how we, too, navigate issues of work, class, and progress in the 21st century.