Zittende man in een armstoel 1803 - 1842

Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man created this etching of a seated man in an armchair sometime before 1842. In the 19th century, the Netherlands experienced significant social and economic changes, leading to new class structures and political movements. The image presents us with an elderly working-class man. His clothing and posture suggest a life of manual labour, but his quiet dignity resists caricature. The detailed etching technique captures the man's weathered features and worn clothing with careful attention. The lack of idealization suggests a shift away from traditional aristocratic portraiture, towards an interest in the everyday lives of ordinary people. This artwork may be seen in the context of the rise of social realism in European art, with art becoming a tool for social commentary, reflecting the changing social landscape of the Netherlands at that time. Investigating archival materials and social histories from that era may provide a deeper understanding of this artwork.