Staande man met een stok in zijn hand 1836 - 1912

Curator: So, what do you think? A little bizarre, right? I feel like he's stepped out of a very theatrical, very peculiar dream. Editor: I feel drawn in; it has that energy of a preparatory sketch, quick but so full of character. It tickles my imagination, and he has such a funny expression. Curator: I can understand that. What we're looking at here is a drawing by Isaac Weissenbruch, dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century – we estimate around 1836-1912. It's titled "Staande man met een stok in zijn hand" or "Standing man with a stick in his hand", now housed at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Simple title, fancy fellow. I like the contrast. He really stands out from the page – the ink is so vibrant, giving this real feeling of depth. The rendering of the coat and the feathery hat, how light bounces... beautiful, really. It gives such character, doesn't it? It is almost cartoonish. Curator: Precisely. I think considering this in relation to other depictions of masculinity in that period is interesting. We see a sort of flamboyant masculinity depicted here. Look at the detailed rendering of his clothes – but also his face. He could represent an almost satirical commentary on the elite of the time. Editor: Mmm, you’re probably right! Satirical's the word. Maybe Weissenbruch just wanted to see the ridiculous side of these figures; art has always worked to serve social change. This is very well shown at his feather hat on top of his serious face. Curator: Yes, precisely! I find it refreshing to encounter images like this – things that allow us to reflect on how constructed ideas around identity, and particularly gender and class, shift across time and place. Editor: It is hard not to create new scenarios for him; the quick but assured ink work makes it compelling, like a memory you did not know you had. He reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. Curator: Absolutely. And on that note, perhaps it's time we let our visitors move on to the next exhibit. Editor: Agreed. It has been fun sharing these fleeting moments.