Figuren in een sloep bij huizen aan een rivier 1856

Salomon Leonardus Verveer created this pen drawing of figures in a boat by houses on a river in 1856. It offers a glimpse into the everyday life and landscape of the Netherlands during the mid-19th century. Through quick, sure lines, Verveer captures a moment of leisurely transport, a group of figures afloat on a river that reflects the architecture of the houses on its banks. This work was made during a time of significant social and economic change in the Netherlands, with increasing industrialization and urbanization reshaping the country. The art of the period often reflects a yearning for simpler times and a celebration of Dutch identity. Institutions like the Rijksmuseum played a crucial role in shaping national identity through the collection and display of such works. To fully understand the artwork, one might consult historical records, social histories of the Netherlands, or even the archives of the Rijksmuseum itself. The meaning of Verveer's drawing is thus contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was created and preserved.