Man draagt een mand op zijn schouder Possibly 1772 - 1833

This print, 'Man draagt een mand op zijn schouder', was made by Mathias de Sallieth in the late 18th century. It offers us a glimpse into the social realities of the time. The image depicts a man carrying a large basket, likely a common laborer. The cross-hatched lines create a level of detail that would have appealed to a growing middle class that valued realism and direct observation. The print medium itself made art more accessible, breaking away from the exclusive patronage systems of the past. The Dutch Republic in the 1700s was a society marked by both commercial prosperity and stark class divisions. Prints like these, sold in the open market, contributed to a broader visual culture. They provided commentary, whether intentional or not, on the lives of everyday people and the economic structures that shaped their existence. Understanding this artwork requires us to examine the economic and social conditions that shaped its production. By researching the print market and the lives of laborers in the 18th century Dutch Republic, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its historical significance.