Staand meisje op klompen 1831 - 1899

David Bles made this pencil drawing, "Standing Girl in Clogs," at an unknown date. Bles was a Dutch painter known for his genre scenes and historical subjects. The drawing depicts a young girl in traditional Dutch clothing, including a bonnet, cape, and wooden clogs. The simplicity of the drawing, combined with the subject matter, speaks to the cultural interest in portraying everyday life, particularly that of the working class, that emerged in the Netherlands during the 19th century. The emphasis on traditional clothing and footwear could also reflect a growing sense of national identity and a desire to preserve cultural heritage in the face of industrialization and urbanization. To fully understand this drawing, we could research the social and economic conditions in the Netherlands during Bles's lifetime, focusing on the lives of working-class children and the cultural significance of traditional clothing. We can appreciate how art is rooted in the social and institutional contexts in which it's created.