Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van twee mannen waarvan één zit te slapen op een stoel, door Thure Nikolaus Cederström before 1878

This is Johannes Jaeger’s photogravure reproduction of a painting by Thure Nikolaus Cederström, depicting two men, one asleep in a chair. Jaeger, active in the late 19th century, operated within a society undergoing significant shifts in class and social structures. As photography became more accessible, it served to both democratize art and to reproduce existing hierarchies. Here, the somber tones and intimate setting suggest a narrative beyond mere portraiture. The sleeping figure perhaps embodies a sense of exhaustion or resignation, while the standing man exudes a quiet watchfulness. This image prompts us to consider the dynamics of labor and leisure, particularly during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization. Who are these men? What are their stories? The image invites empathy, touching on themes of vulnerability, companionship, and the silent dialogues that define human relationships. It is in this quiet moment we find a reflection on the human condition.