Man op klompen 1803 - 1842

Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man created this print of a man in clogs using etching. It is not dated, but it was likely made in the Netherlands sometime in the first half of the 19th century. At this time the Netherlands was undergoing significant social change, moving from an agrarian to an industrial economy. Through its detailed lines, the image creates a sense of the subject’s social standing. We see a man with rough clothing and clogs, his hands clasped in front of him. The averted gaze suggests a sense of resignation, perhaps reflecting the difficult conditions faced by the working class at this time. Prints such as these were part of a growing visual culture, where new technologies allowed images to be widely circulated. They played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of different social classes. Understanding such images requires us to look at the economic conditions of the time, consulting archival sources, newspapers, and other visual materials to understand the image’s place in wider social debates. By doing so, we can better appreciate the power of art to reflect, reinforce, or challenge prevailing social norms.