Rustende werkman 1788 - 1849

"Rustende werkman" (Resting worker), a charcoal drawing by Johan Christiaan Willem Safft (1778-1849) depicts a working man in a moment of repose, seated against a wooden fence with his shovel resting beside him. The drawing, created between 1788 and 1849, captures the weariness of the working class in a realistic and sympathetic manner. The artist's use of subtle shading creates a sense of depth and texture, highlighting the man's weathered hands and the rough terrain. Safft's work often focused on everyday life, offering glimpses into the lives of ordinary people. "Rustende werkman" is a testament to his ability to capture the beauty in the mundane, portraying the quiet dignity of a hardworking man taking a well-deserved break.