Man met een pet Possibly 1870 - 1877

Here we see a sketch of a man with a cap by Cornelis Springer. Springer, who lived from 1817 to 1891, was part of a generation of artists who focused on the accurate depiction of urban life in the Netherlands, and this sketch is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. While this drawing may seem like a simple study of a man, it subtly captures the atmosphere and social dynamics of 19th-century urban life. We see a working-class man, recognizable by his cap and simple clothing, rendered with a directness that avoids romanticization. Springer’s decision to focus on everyday people reflects a broader cultural interest in representing the lives of all classes. While there may be more to know about the subject of the sketch, it serves as a reminder of the countless untold stories within the larger narrative of history. It asks us to consider the lives and experiences of those often overlooked.