Inkt- en pennenkoopman 1778 - 1838

Curator: Here we have "Inkt- en pennenkoopman" – "Ink and Pen Merchant" – an ink and pen drawing attributed to Anthonie van den Bos. It was likely created sometime between 1778 and 1838 and it is part of the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: The drawing possesses such an immediately expressive quality! The hurried, almost frantic line work makes the character feel vividly alive, but somehow weighed down. Curator: Indeed. Van den Bos lived in a period of social and political upheaval. We can appreciate this work as both a genre painting and an introspective study, documenting a common trade, while also exploring deeper emotions and social observations of the time. The production and consumption of art supplies and art objects were rapidly evolving because of the rising middle class. Editor: I’m struck by his tools – that strange disc shape could symbolize, not merely physical burdens but also, in Jungian terms, perhaps a 'mandala' of his trade, a complete, albeit heavy, world. What do you make of that curious headdress? Is it an inside joke, a personal marker, or something more universal? Curator: Headdress could be a marker of trade or just common at the time. His unkempt dress code also offers a narrative of a life on the road, possibly struggling for sales, adding layers to a perceived economic anxiety during this period of nascent industrialization. This representation, I argue, can be seen as a conscious commentary on social structures by the artist. Editor: That’s a valuable point. The forward-leaning posture amplifies the idea of endless itinerancy, perhaps signifying not just the peddler’s individual struggles, but those of a broader segment of the population seeking livelihood during uncertain times. His figure seems stooped by circumstance and economic uncertainty. The sketch has captured some psychological weight that might allude to some pre-occupation of the figure or even of its author. Curator: Considering its existence within a museum context today, "Ink and Pen Merchant" transcends its humble origins. Its survival gives insight into lesser documented individuals and commercial activities. Editor: Ultimately, viewing Van den Bos' work is like encountering a forgotten story, whispered across the ages through the simple language of pen and ink. Curator: Yes, we gain invaluable knowledge of 18th and 19th century Dutch culture through these sketches, which continue to engage with us due to the shared experiences.