Zittende man met een knapzak en een stok 1784

Jacob van Strij created this watercolor and pencil drawing of a seated man with a knapsack and walking stick in 1764. During the 18th century, images of working-class individuals became popular as artists explored themes of labor and everyday life. This drawing offers us a glimpse into the life of a common traveler, perhaps a migrant worker, depicted taking respite on the roadside. Van Strij’s choice to portray his subject in a moment of rest complicates romantic notions of the wandering traveler. We see the physical toll such a life might take. The man's weary posture and the weight of his pack suggest a life of hardship and impermanence. The artwork presents a narrative of perseverance, subtly highlighting the class disparities of the era through the quiet resilience of its subject. It reminds us of the silent stories carried by those on the margins of society.