Man met de handen op de heupen 1710 - 1772

Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot created this drawing, "Man met de handen op de heupen," using chalk. Born in Ghent, Reysschoot lived during a time of shifting social structures. The rise of the bourgeoisie and the Enlightenment ideals of reason and individualism greatly influenced artistic expression. With his hands assertively on his hips, the man exudes a quiet confidence, characteristic of the era. The loose, expressive lines of the chalk capture the sitter’s personality. His slightly disheveled hair and the casual pose suggest a departure from the rigid formality of earlier aristocratic portraiture. The work hints at a more intimate, personal connection between the artist and his subject. The drawing invites us to consider the complexities of identity and representation in a rapidly changing world. It serves as a poignant reminder of the individuals who navigated the intersection of tradition and progress.