Man op een stoel 1828

Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man created this print of a man on a chair around 1828. During the early 19th century, the Netherlands was experiencing a period of economic and social change following the Napoleonic era, reflected in art through increased realism and focus on everyday life. Here, the sitter, casually posed, is depicted with an eye for the details of his clothing and demeanor. His attire, while not overtly opulent, suggests a certain social class, while the relaxed posture hints at a sense of ease or perhaps even boredom. This work may speak to issues of identity and representation, prompting us to consider how individuals from various social strata were perceived and portrayed during this time. The print invites a moment of reflection on the quiet, often overlooked aspects of human existence and also prompts questions about how we represent ourselves and others in art, especially when it comes to social identity.