Mannen in een café 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh made this pencil drawing, “Mannen in een café,” capturing a moment in a café. We do not know the exact date, but Vreedenburgh lived through both World Wars, during which time cafes were important social spaces for communities. The sketch shows the interior of a busy café with men sitting at tables. Vreedenburgh’s spontaneous lines give us a glimpse into their world, inviting us to consider the daily lives of ordinary people during a time of significant upheaval and change. The men are seen from the side. Some are wearing hats, seated at tables, absorbed in their thoughts, their faces are obscured. The sketch invites reflection on the function of the café as a gathering place, a sanctuary. It encourages us to reflect on the ways in which social spaces shape collective identity. In a rapidly changing world this scene reflects both the stability and the fragility of everyday life.