Drie mannelijke figuren, twee met stok en steek 1706 - 1750

Cornelis Troost made this sketch, "Three Male Figures, Two with Canes and Hats," using pen in brown ink, sometime in the first half of the 18th century. Troost was a Dutch painter and actor, renowned for his theatrical and genre scenes that captured the lives of the Dutch middle class during the Enlightenment. Here, we see three men rendered with quick, confident strokes. Note the emphasis on attire: their wigs, coats, and accessories signify status and adherence to social norms. However, these figures also evoke a sense of the performative nature of identity. Their carefully constructed appearances mask the complexities of individual experience. Troost’s work often explored moral and social themes, reflecting the era’s interest in reason and societal reform. This drawing provides insight into the era's preoccupation with social roles and the negotiation of identity. The men are seen not just as individuals but as participants in a social drama, where appearance and behavior are carefully managed.