Mannen in verschillende houdingen en manden c. 1863

This is a pencil drawing by Cornelis Springer, depicting figures and baskets in a variety of poses. Springer was a Dutch painter known for his architectural and cityscapes, and his work reflects the Netherlands' urban life in the 19th century. But why these sketches of anonymous workers? What did they signify to Springer and his audience? The Industrial Revolution was bringing unprecedented changes to Dutch society, and these images of working-class people may have been a way for Springer to document and comment on those changes. The baskets, which are also featured prominently in the image, could be seen as symbols of labor and commerce, reflecting the economic forces that were shaping Dutch society at the time. Art historians can look at the sketchbooks to see what artists were thinking when developing their more 'finished' works. These resources, along with the social and economic history of the Netherlands, allow us to understand the meanings that people at the time might have found in a seemingly simple sketch.