Jongen op klompen met een mand 1788 - 1835

This is a drawing of a boy with clogs and a basket, made by François Joseph (II) Pfeiffer. The most striking element is the basket itself, held firmly by the boy. This simple woven object carries a weighty cultural resonance, echoing back to ancient harvest festivals, where baskets overflowed with the bounty of the earth. Consider how the image of a basket, brimming with sustenance, appears in various forms throughout history. Recall the cornucopia, that horn of plenty, symbolizing abundance and nourishment in Roman art. It’s fascinating how the humble basket, a vessel for everyday labour, evolves into a potent symbol of prosperity and security. Even in religious contexts, the basket resurfaces, think of the story of Moses in the bulrushes, adrift in a basket, a symbol of hope and deliverance. This image, like a recurring dream, taps into our collective memory, evoking feelings of nurturing, protection, and perhaps, a touch of longing for simpler times. The cycle continues, with the image of the boy and the basket, evoking universal emotions that transcend time and place.