Man met kruik 1809 - 1841

Curator: Here we have “Man met kruik,” or "Man with Pitcher," a pencil drawing created by Joannes Bemme sometime between 1809 and 1841. It’s currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. What strikes you about this work? Editor: He seems like a fellow on a mission, wouldn't you say? There's something wonderfully lonesome about the figure with his pitcher in hand, off on his private quest. The softness of the pencil lends an intimate feel. Curator: Absolutely, there's a real sense of journey and introspection here. Bemme often captured scenes of everyday life. Genre paintings like this were becoming popular, showing an increased interest in the common person and rural settings. You get a glimpse of the Romantic period and an interest in simpler, more pastoral settings. Editor: It’s interesting how he is presented from the back, walking away. The artist isn't inviting us in; it's like he's giving us a peek into a story already in motion, trusting us to fill in the blanks, you know? Is he going somewhere to fetch water, or on the road, perhaps to a festival? The mind races! Curator: That narrative ambiguity is part of the charm, certainly. His style draws from landscape and figuration. It captures that very human element against nature's backdrop that speaks volumes about 19th-century society’s shift towards individualism. People began to matter, especially regarding art! Editor: Looking closer, it's pretty great the way that humble wooden fence becomes almost as crucial as our protagonist. Like, is it containing or releasing him? I bet this wasn't as quiet a statement in its time, you reckon? Curator: You're right. The inclusion of rural infrastructure, as well as our everyday protagonist, helped make artwork more accessible, but it was a far cry from high society still. Overall, Bemme gives you the kind of picture, pardon the pun, of the state of everyday folk at the time. It's quite subtle. Editor: Thanks for that, the man met kruik gave me so much in such short order. Curator: My pleasure!