Borstbeeld van boer met hoed en pijp, en profil 1749 - 1809

This is Joannis Jacobus Bijlaert’s “Bust of a farmer with hat and pipe, in profile,” a small etching, no larger than the palm of your hand. Bijlaert, who lived in the Netherlands during the 18th century, captured the likeness of a man who was part of the working class. During this period, the Dutch Republic experienced economic changes that impacted its social structure. As we look at this man, we might consider his position in society, and the labor he performed to live. Bijlaert's choice to depict a farmer is in itself a narrative statement. The man's weathered face and simple attire speaks to the realities of rural life, offering a glimpse into a world often overlooked in the grand narratives of history. There's a certain dignity in his profile, a quiet acknowledgment of his existence. Bijlaert invites us to reflect on the lives of those whose stories are often absent from the historical record, and to consider the value and resilience inherent in the everyday experiences of ordinary people.