Figuurstudies c. 1828 - 1897

Adrianus Eversen created these "Figuurstudies" sometime in the 19th century. This page offers us an intimate glimpse into Eversen's process of observing and capturing everyday people and scenes. These sketches reflect the social dynamics of 19th-century Dutch society, subtly revealing the roles and activities of women and children. In the upper sketch a group of children are gathered around a seated person, perhaps listening to a story. In the lower portion of the page we see women carrying buckets, men pushing carts; the figures are rendered with a gentle hand, yet they speak volumes about the labor and lives of the working class. Eversen invites us to consider the ordinary as worthy of artistic attention, providing a window into a world that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through these sketches, we can reflect on the historical contexts and the personal stories embedded in these unassuming, yet revealing, figure studies.