Lezende man 1814 - 1879

"Lezende man" (Reading Man), an etching by David van der Kellen, depicts a man seated in a chair, intently reading a book. The artist’s use of detailed crosshatching creates a sense of depth and texture, highlighting the man's wrinkled features and the worn fabric of his clothing. The composition is intimate, drawing the viewer’s eye to the figure’s quiet concentration, a testament to the power of the written word. This artwork, housed at the Rijksmuseum, is a fine example of 19th-century Dutch realism, showcasing the artist’s keen observation of everyday life.