Zittende vissersjongen met mand 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this watercolor drawing of a seated fisherman boy with a basket in the Netherlands. Here, Mauve presents the image of a youthful worker against what looks like a barren landscape. The social status of the working class in the Netherlands during the 19th century was dire and the art of the period shows an increasing interest in representing the everyday lives of ordinary people. The image may reflect a growing social awareness that questioned the economic structures of Dutch society. Mauve's work can be contextualized through sources such as the population census, local newspapers or institutional records that all help us to better understand the socio-political landscape. Art like this serves as a visual record that reflects on the social conditions of its time.