Staande man met klompen aan 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created this print, "Standing Man with Clogs On", using etching, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. As we observe this figure, his clothing and stance speak to the rigid social structures of the time. During this period, the Dutch Republic was experiencing economic decline and social stratification. Van den Bos, who was working as a printmaker, captured a glimpse into the everyday life of the working class. Wearing clogs, practical footwear for laborers, the man’s dress marks him as someone of lower social standing. His relaxed posture, with hands clasped behind his back, conveys a sense of weary resignation, perhaps reflecting the limited social mobility of the era. The print serves as a poignant commentary on the lives of ordinary people, inviting reflection on the dynamics of class and identity during a transformative period in Dutch history. In his subtle way, van den Bos captures the emotional landscape of a society grappling with change.