Nettenboeter in schuur 1847 - 1865

Frederik Hendrik Weissenbruch made this print, "Nettenboeter in schuur", using etching. Weissenbruch's choice of subject matter is interesting, as the image depicts an anonymous fisherman repairing nets in a shed. It is not a scene of wealth or opulence, but rather of everyday life. By focusing on the ordinary activities of working-class people, Weissenbruch seems to suggest that their lives are just as worthy of artistic representation as those of the wealthy or powerful. This focus on the everyday aligns Weissenbruch with the Realist movement, which sought to depict the world as it is, without idealization or romanticization. This was a deliberate challenge to the artistic conventions of the time, which often favored grandiose historical or mythological subjects. Understanding the social context in which this print was made requires an appreciation for the changing role of art in the 19th century. As art became more accessible to the middle class, artists began to explore new subjects and styles that reflected the interests and concerns of this emerging audience. Examination of other artwork featured in the Rijksmuseum may deepen our appreciation of Weissenbruch's social-historical context.