Zittende jonge man Possibly 1873 - 1879

Cornelis Springer made this pencil drawing, titled "Zittende jonge man", in the Netherlands, sometime in the 19th century. It's a quick sketch, probably from life, depicting a young man sitting on what looks like a box, leaning forward. Springer was known for his cityscapes, and this drawing offers a glimpse into the social fabric of the time. The sketch aesthetic feels like a snapshot of everyday life, yet the man's posture—slightly slumped, gazing downward—hints at the realities of labor and perhaps, the social hierarchies that shaped Dutch society. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, plays a key role in preserving and presenting such works, shaping our understanding of Dutch history and identity. Historians rely on a range of sources—from census records to personal letters—to enrich our understanding of pieces like this. These resources illuminate the context in which art is produced and consumed. Art becomes more meaningful when we consider the social structures of the time.