Staande man met takkenbos op de rug 1766 - 1815

Jacob van Strij’s "Staande man met takkenbos op de rug" (1766-1815) is a graphite drawing depicting a man carrying a bundle of branches on his back. He stands against a wooden fence, looking towards a frozen canal and a village in the distance. The man’s weary expression and the wintery scene suggest a humble and laborious life. Van Strij, known for his detailed depictions of Dutch rural life, captures the essence of this working man in a realistic style. The drawing is a fine example of Dutch realism, emphasizing the simplicity and dignity of everyday life.