Wachtend rijtuigje, van boven gezien 1844 - 1896

Willem de Famars Testas made this drawing of a horse and carriage with pen on paper. The carriage presents an interesting view into Dutch society of the 19th century. It was a time of increasing industrialization, the rise of the bourgeoisie, and the development of infrastructure. Owning a carriage was a symbol of status and affluence in a society undergoing significant economic changes. The horse itself was a marker of wealth. The image creates meaning through the visual codes. The cultural references are to this developing economy. The historical associations are with the institutions of the time and the social conditions that shape artistic production. It is important to remember that the meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context. Understanding this drawing better involves looking at historical sources that shed light on 19th century Dutch society.