Twee schetsen van de arm van een drinkende man 1821 - 1891

Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen created these two pencil sketches of a drinking man's arm. This work offers us an intimate glimpse into the culture of 19th-century Netherlands. The Netherlands in the 1800s was undergoing major shifts. The rise of industrialization and the growth of cities led to new social tensions. Drinking culture became increasingly important in the working class. The sketch may reflect the conservative norms of Dutch society at the time. It is important to investigate the artist's background, along with the cultural and institutional forces that shaped the production and reception of his art. By exploring archives and other historical resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art and society. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.