Studie c. 1883 - 1914

Floris Arntzenius created this sketch, titled "Studie," at an unknown date, using graphite or charcoal on paper. Arntzenius, living in the Netherlands during a time of significant social and political change, would have experienced the rise of industrialization and urbanization, which deeply affected the working class and challenged existing social structures. This sketch could be considered a study of the working class. The figure’s features are undefined, almost anonymous, swathed in simple clothing. What can be felt here is the weight of labor, and the toll it takes on the body, obscuring any distinct personal characteristics. It stands as a stark, unromanticized portrayal, offering a glimpse into the lives of those whose stories often go unrecorded. It subtly questions who is seen and valued in society, and compels us to reflect on the emotional and physical realities of those whose labor sustains us.