Jongenskop met hoed 1768

Joannis Jacobus Bijlaert created this drawing of a boy's head with a hat using black chalk on blue paper. This work belongs to a larger cultural moment in the Netherlands, one where the burgeoning middle class sought new forms of representation. The image is softly rendered, focusing on the boy's face and the textures of his hat. In the 18th century, the Dutch art market saw an increased demand for portraiture reflecting a growing interest in individual identity and social status. The Rijksmuseum's collection provides a wealth of resources for understanding Bijlaert's place within this artistic landscape. By studying the economic conditions of the time, we can better understand how artists responded to the market and how their work reflects the values and aspirations of Dutch society. The role of the historian is to connect the artwork with its moment, revealing the complex interplay between art, culture, and society.