Slapende man 1659 - 1740

Jan van der Bruggen created this etching, "Slapende man," in the late 17th century, a period marked by significant social stratification and cultural norms around labor and leisure in the Dutch Republic. Here, we see a genre scene depicting a man asleep, slumped over in a chair, while another figure stands watch, perhaps a comrade or caretaker. The setting is simple, suggesting a modest, working-class environment. The artwork reflects the daily lives and struggles of ordinary people, offering a glimpse into the socio-economic realities of the time. The depiction of the sleeping man invites contemplation on themes of exhaustion, vulnerability, and the human need for rest. It raises questions about the value of labor, the right to respite, and the social dynamics between those who work and those who observe. By focusing on such intimate, everyday moments, the artist humanizes his subjects. "Slapende man" presents a narrative that transcends the superficial, touching upon the profound aspects of human existence.