Two Boys Standing with Backs Turned 1659

Karel Dujardin created this drawing, "Two Boys Standing with Backs Turned," sometime in the 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Golden Age was in full bloom, marked by prosperity and a flourishing of the arts. Dujardin, like many of his contemporaries, often depicted scenes of everyday life. Here, we see two young boys, their backs turned, their faces hidden from our view. This choice invites us to consider their social standing and perhaps the anonymity of the working class. Are they laborers? Apprentices? The clothes they wear suggest a life of toil, yet there's a certain dignity in their posture. The act of turning away might symbolize a turning away from the traditional representations, and perhaps, a subtle commentary on the social hierarchies of the time. It's a quiet, contemplative piece that speaks volumes about the lives of those often overlooked in history.