Zittende figuur met mand 1784 - 1826

Jacob Ernst Marcus created this print, ‘Seated Figure with Basket’, in the Netherlands, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. At this time the Dutch Republic was undergoing significant political and social upheaval. The enlightenment ideals were beginning to challenge traditional social hierarchies. This etching offers a glimpse into the lives of the working class and those who often existed on the margins of society. Note the figure's posture, the weight of the basket, and the simple clothing. Marcus invites us to consider the experiences of those who perform manual labor. The figure is seated, perhaps resting, and their gaze is directed away from the viewer, suggesting a sense of introspection or weariness. While Marcus was a member of the Dutch elite, here he seems to challenge the traditional art world which often focused on idealised images of the wealthy. Instead, he draws our attention to the emotional and physical realities of everyday life for those whose stories often went untold.