Zittend man met een kruik 1811 - 1873

Pieter van Loon made this drawing of a seated man with a jug with pen in brown ink and brush in brown wash. It is difficult to know the meaning of this image for sure. What can be said is that the drawing reflects a cultural interest in the lives of ordinary people in the Netherlands during the 19th century, and might provide a glimpse into the types of labor performed by the working class. We see the man's humble surroundings - the bare brick wall and simple wooden bench - suggesting that he may be poor, of a low social standing. Is the artist attempting to show a social reality, or is he following a tradition of picturesque imagery? As historians, we might consider the role of Dutch art institutions and academies in promoting or discouraging such representations, consulting archives and period publications to build a better understanding of the work. The meaning of art is always contingent on its moment.