Portret van Jacob Claude Swart, lezend 1780 - 1849

David-Pierre Giottino Humbert de Superville drew this portrait of Jacob Claude Swart with pen in brown ink around 1816. The image depicts a man reading, his gaze fixed on the open book. This was a time when literacy was spreading, and the rise of the novel was changing social life in fundamental ways. Reading was increasingly becoming a common practice. It became a symbol of intellectual engagement and social mobility. Made in the Netherlands, this drawing reflects the cultural values of the time. The man’s simple clothes and close attention to his reading material suggest the importance of education and intellectual pursuits in Dutch society. To better understand the significance of this drawing, we can consult archives and historical records to learn more about the sitter, the artist, and the cultural context in which it was created. By doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and cultural forces that shaped this work of art.