Man met een zak onder zijn arm bij een stenen muur 1836 - 1912

Isaac Weissenbruch created this artwork, "Man met een zak onder zijn arm bij een stenen muur", using etching. Weissenbruch was a Dutch artist known for his contributions to the Hague School, an artistic movement which emphasized realism and the depiction of everyday life. During this period in the Netherlands, rapid industrialization and urbanization led to significant social changes, impacting the lives of many, particularly the working class. This etching offers a glimpse into the life of a common man, perhaps a laborer or a traveler, standing against a stark stone wall. His attire, a simple hat and carrying a bag, suggests a life of modest means, perhaps a life of labor and travel. The figure’s posture, with arms crossed, evokes a sense of weariness or resignation, which might reflect the hardships faced by many during this era. Weissenbruch's choice to depict such a figure invites us to consider the social realities of his time, capturing the quiet dignity and resilience of the working class.