Man met opgeheven glas 1720 - 1792

Editor: We’re looking at Aert Schouman’s “Man met opgeheven glas” from the 18th century, housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It's a drawing, using pen and charcoal, and I find its shadowed lighting creates this incredibly intimate atmosphere, like we've just stumbled upon a private moment. What do you see in this piece, in terms of what it suggests about the man or his time? Curator: This work sings to me of quiet contemplation, wouldn’t you agree? Look at the way the light catches the raised glass, it's as though he's about to make a toast, or maybe just admiring the wine. I wonder, is he alone with his thoughts, or is there an implied company, just out of view? Consider the Dutch Golden Age tradition of genre painting; do you think this could be considered a slice-of-life genre scene, albeit with a touch of personal introspection? Editor: I hadn't considered that slice-of-life angle. So, he’s not necessarily wealthy, but just someone… enjoying a simple pleasure? Curator: Precisely! It pushes beyond a formal portrait. It becomes a meditation on pleasure and presence. We see not just *who* he is, but a glimpse into *how* he might live and feel. What do *you* think? Does it suggest something universal about human experience? Editor: I suppose there's something universally relatable in enjoying a drink, taking a pause, or savoring a moment. This exercise certainly broadened my understanding of portraiture. Curator: Absolutely. It's those subtle narratives that elevate a piece from mere depiction to something deeply resonant and…well, tipsy with meaning, don’t you think? Always a good way to think of art!