Zittende jongeman 1637 - 1678

Willem Schellinks made this black chalk drawing of a seated young man sometime in the 17th century. It’s a study of an individual, but also a window onto Dutch society. The Netherlands in the 1600s was a place of burgeoning trade and shifting social structures. The attire of the young man, with his wide-brimmed hat, suggests a certain class status, possibly hinting at the merchant class that was gaining prominence at the time. The drawing itself, with its focus on detailed observation, reflects the growing interest in the individual and the world around them, typical of Dutch art at the time. Understanding this drawing requires us to delve into the social fabric of the Dutch Golden Age. By exploring period fashion, economic shifts, and the art market, we can better appreciate how even a simple sketch can reveal the values and structures of its time.