Jongen blazend op een schalmei 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this drawing of a boy playing a shawm with graphite, pen, and brush in the late nineteenth century. During this period, the Netherlands, like other European countries, experienced significant social stratification, impacting the daily lives of the working class. Mauve's depiction of the boy offers a glimpse into the lives of the rural poor; his bare feet and worn clothing speak to a life of hardship. Yet, he stands with an air of dignity. The music rising from the shawm invites us to imagine the cultural expressions through which the working class sustains itself. Mauve’s choice to highlight a moment of cultural expression amidst poverty creates a narrative that acknowledges both the harsh realities and the resilience of the working class. The drawing serves not just as a portrayal of an individual, but as a subtle commentary on the societal conditions that shape individual lives.