Standbeeld van Laurens Jansz. Coster te Haarlem 1780 - 1836

This watercolor drawing was made by Johannes Jelgerhuis, and depicts a sculpture of Laurens Jansz. Coster in Haarlem. Notice the artist's emphasis on capturing the textural qualities of the materials. The monument itself, presumably of stone or plaster, appears rough and weathered. Jelgerhuis has carefully observed the effects of light and shadow, adding depth and realism to the sculpture, and his depiction of the surrounding environment shows a bustling urban scene. We see figures engaged in everyday activities, perhaps laborers or merchants going about their daily work. The artist uses fine brushstrokes and subtle gradations of color to create a sense of atmosphere and movement. This lively depiction of the everyday suggests a focus on the social and economic realities of the time. The artist's choice of watercolor, combined with precise drawing, highlights the intersection of artistic skill and the realities of labour and commerce in 19th-century Haarlem.