Houtsprokkelaars 1811 - 1816

Jacob Ernst Marcus created this print, "Wood Gatherers," around 1811. At the time, the Netherlands was under French rule, a period marked by economic hardship, especially for the poor. Here, we see a woman and a child, possibly a boy, gathering fallen branches. This was a common, grueling task for the working class, who often depended on these scraps for heating and cooking. The bare feet of the child and the worn clothes tell of poverty and the struggle for survival. The bending figures, set against a sparse landscape, evoke a sense of hardship and resilience. While Marcus was known for his genre scenes and portraits of the bourgeoisie, this print offers a glimpse into the lives of the less privileged. It serves as a poignant reminder of the social inequalities of the time and the daily challenges faced by many. It asks us to consider the human stories behind the grand narratives of history.