Zittende man met mand 1805 - 1860

This is an etching of a seated man with a basket by Hendrikus van de Sande Bakhuyzen. Created during the early to mid-19th century, a time of significant social and economic change in the Netherlands. The image depicts a man who, from his clothing, is likely working class. His posture and the inclusion of a basket and walking stick suggest labour and travel, marking him as a rural worker, perhaps a farmer or tradesman. The era in which Bakhuyzen lived was marked by a growing awareness of social inequalities, even as traditional class structures remained firmly in place. Bakhuyzen often focused on rural landscapes and figures. His choice to represent the working class invites reflection on the dignity of labour and the lives of those often overlooked in the art of his time. "Art should reflect the world around us, not just the world of the wealthy." The artwork captures a moment of rest, yet it speaks volumes about the sitter’s daily life. It asks us to consider the stories and struggles inherent in the lives of ordinary people during a period of transformation.