Metselaar bij een muur c. 1821

"Metselaar bij een muur" (c. 1821) by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet depicts a mason at work, captured in a moment of focused exertion. The composition is a simple yet powerful portrayal of a working-class figure. The artist's use of graphite allows for a range of tonal variations, giving the drawing a sense of depth and texture. Charlet was known for his depictions of Parisian life, often focusing on ordinary individuals and their struggles. This drawing reflects his interest in capturing the authenticity of everyday moments and the human condition. The drawing is housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.