De lege stoel 1869

"De lege stoel" (The Empty Chair) is a drawing by David Bles, created in 1869 and now part of the Rijksmuseum collection. The drawing depicts a domestic scene, with three figures seated around a table. One figure, possibly a man, slumps in a chair, resting his head on his hands, while the other two sit upright and appear to be engaged in conversation. The empty chair in the foreground suggests a fourth person who is absent, adding a layer of emotional weight to the scene. This subtle drawing, composed with a light touch, captures a moment of quiet intimacy and thoughtful contemplation.