De visboer 1636 - 1687

Jacob Esselens made this pen and wash drawing, titled "The Fishmonger," in the Netherlands during the 17th century, a period known as the Dutch Golden Age. Esselens depicts an everyday scene, a fishmonger selling his wares in a shaded, park-like setting. This work offers a glimpse into the economic activities and social interactions of the time. The figures, dressed in typical Dutch clothing, suggest a sense of community and commerce. Drawings like this were often made as preparatory studies for larger paintings, or as independent works for sale. During this era, the Dutch Republic experienced significant economic growth, particularly in trade and commerce. Genre scenes, like this one, became popular as they reflected the values and interests of the burgeoning middle class. The level of detail in the figures' clothing as well as the landscaping can provide historians with a wealth of information about the period. Examining estate inventories, auction catalogues, and other archival material may reveal more about the drawing's provenance and reception.