Strandgezicht met figuren en kleedhokken c. 1850 - 1950

Monogrammist DS sketched this graphite drawing called 'Strandgezicht met figuren en kleedhokken' around 1873, presenting us with a beach scene filled with figures and changing huts. The late 19th century marked a period of increasing leisure for the middle classes in Europe. As industrialization progressed, so did the popularity of seaside resorts. Think about the Victorian era's relationship with the body. Modesty dictated that beachgoers, especially women, needed privacy to change into swimwear. The 'kleedhokken', or changing huts, offered this necessary space, becoming a fixture of beach life. Consider how the artist captures this social dynamic. Are these figures interacting? Is there a sense of community, or is each individual enclosed in their own experience? This sketch isn't just about the beach; it's about privacy, social norms, and the changing landscape of leisure. The light, quick strokes convey a sense of transient, fleeting moments.