Poelier 1605 - 1678

Paul de Vos, a Flemish artist, created "Poelier" using pen and brown ink on paper. De Vos, emerging from a family of artists in Antwerp, was working in a society defined by distinct class structures. This sketch offers a glimpse into the life and labor of the working class. "Poelier," depicting a butcher amidst his wares, is less about glorifying the profession and more about documenting it. The sketch's medium – ink on paper – suggests an accessibility, a demystification of everyday life. De Vos renders the scene with an unvarnished realism, a shift away from idealized representations. The composition invites us to consider the socio-economic dynamics of the 17th century, where the labor of the working class sustained the opulent lifestyles of the wealthy. In this regard, De Vos's drawing offers a narrative about the people often overlooked in history. It serves as a reminder of the lives interwoven into the fabric of society.