Twee mannen in een bootje op kalm water 1830 - 1860

Albertus van Beest created this drawing, "Two Men in a Boat on Calm Water," using graphite on paper. Van Beest, who was born in Rotterdam, lived and worked in a time of significant social change. The drawing depicts a serene maritime scene, with two figures in a small boat surrounded by calm waters and distant vessels. But who are these men, and what does their labor entail? The image evokes the lives of the working class, their livelihoods intertwined with the sea, their social status often rendering them invisible in broader society. What does it mean to occupy a body that is working? What does it mean to have a body that is exposed to the elements, day in and day out? The muted tones and soft lines contribute to a sense of tranquility, yet we must consider the historical context in which Van Beest was working. The artist encourages us to reflect on the lives and labor of those whose stories are often left untold.