Jongeling met viool op schoot en de strijkstok gebroken op de grond c. 1865

This etching, "Jongeling met viool op schoot en de strijkstok gebroken op de grond," by Louis Gallait, depicts a young man seated in a somber setting. The composition is focused on his slumped posture and sorrowful expression as he holds a broken violin in his lap. The use of chiaroscuro, with stark contrasts of light and shadow, adds to the melancholic mood of the piece. Created around 1865, the artwork captures a poignant moment of loss and despair, emphasizing the fragility of human hopes and dreams. It is a powerful example of the Romantic style in art, highlighting the emotional experiences of individuals.