Zittende man voor een tafel 1710 - 1772

Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot created this sketch of a seated man in front of a table using sanguine chalk. The casual pose of the man, his wig, and fine jacket situate the sitter in the 18th century, a time marked by rigid social hierarchies. The sketch is unfinished, so it captures a sense of immediacy; the artist perhaps captured a fleeting moment, as though the sitter was unaware of being observed. It invites us to imagine the lived experiences of the elite during this era. The use of sanguine chalk lends a warmth to the drawing and a sense of the sitter's flesh, infusing the image with a sense of humanity. While the man's identity remains unknown, Reysschoot’s work offers a glimpse into the lives of those who held power in the past. It encourages reflection on the complexities of class, representation, and the ever-present gaze of the artist.