Arbeider in staalfabriek 1871 - 1906

Pieter de Josselin de Jong created this drawing of a steel factory worker with a graphite pencil. This image is an example of the Realist movement, which sought to portray the lives of ordinary people and reflect the social realities of the time. The Netherlands, like other industrialized countries, experienced significant social and economic changes during the late 19th century. The rise of factories transformed labor, creating a new class of industrial workers. This drawing acknowledges those workers and their place within the economic structure. The worker is portrayed in simple clothing and a cap, emphasizing his working-class identity. The artist's choice to focus on a steel factory worker reflects an interest in the modern, industrial world and the lives of those who powered it. To understand the art of this period better, we can consult sources such as historical archives, newspapers, and sociological studies of the time. By examining the social and institutional contexts in which art is made, we gain a deeper appreciation of its meaning and significance.