Pijprokende man met mand op de rug Possibly 1772 - 1833

Mathias de Sallieth created this print of a pipe-smoking man with a basket on his back, with etching technique. Observe this man, burdened with his heavy load, and tell me, what does he carry? The basket, a symbol as old as civilization itself, speaks of toil, sustenance, and the fundamental connection between man and earth. Consider the image of the basket in antiquity, in ancient Egyptian art, for example, where baskets brimmed with offerings to the gods, promising renewal and plenty. But here, the basket appears quite heavy, evoking feelings of hardship and the weariness of daily life. Notice how the bare feet connect him to the earth, grounding him in his labor. The smoke from his pipe hints at a moment of respite, a brief escape from his toils. Yet, even this small pleasure seems tinged with the weight of his existence, doesn't it? This image resonates with our collective memory, invoking a sense of empathy for the timeless plight of human labor. In each historical reappearance, the basket gathers new meanings, yet it is always loaded with humanity.