Zittende lezende man 1865 - 1930

Jac van Looij created this sketch of a seated, reading man in pencil on paper sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. It captures a man absorbed in his reading, a common subject reflecting the rise of literacy and the availability of printed materials during that era. Van Looij, who lived from 1855 to 1930, was witness to a period of immense social and cultural change in the Netherlands. With its emphasis on education, Dutch society embraced literature and knowledge. The sketch is a reflection of that social elevation of the educated man. The work invites contemplation on the value placed on learning and intellectual pursuits in modern Dutch society. Historical sources, such as period publications and institutional records, can provide further insight into the artwork. These resources reveal the importance of literacy and reading in shaping the cultural identity of the Netherlands during Van Looij's lifetime. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork hinges on its socio-historical context.