Badgasten Possibly 1895 - 1899

“Badgasten” by Willem van Konijnenburg is a black and white drawing depicting a crowd of people. The artist, born in 1868, lived during a time of significant social change and artistic exploration. This work seems to offer a satirical view of society. The exaggerated costumes and expressions of the figures suggest a critique of bourgeois culture. In this context, the drawing hints at the complex interplay between personal identity and social expectations, especially concerning class. The artist's use of caricature invites us to reflect on how society judges and categorizes individuals based on appearance and social standing. What feelings does this artwork evoke for you, considering the ways society constructs identity and acceptance?