Zittende man, naar links 1660

Cornelis Saftleven made this study of a seated man using black and white chalk on brownish paper. Saftleven worked during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by unprecedented economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands, but also stark social stratification. Saftleven often depicted peasant life, religious allegories, and animal scenes, reflecting the diverse interests of his time. Here, the focus shifts to portraiture, a genre through which identity and status were carefully constructed. The man is presented in a moment of repose, his gaze directed away, perhaps lost in thought. His clothing suggests a degree of affluence, yet there is an undeniable sense of introspection in his posture and expression. Saftleven captures more than just an image; he conveys a sense of the sitter’s inner world. This sketch invites us to consider the complexities of identity and representation during the Golden Age. It reflects a society that celebrated individuality and success, while also grappling with questions of morality, faith, and the human condition.