Figuren in verschillende houdingen c. 1860 - 1866

Cornelis Springer created these figure studies on paper in the 19th century. The poses, seemingly casual, reveal a deeper connection to artistic traditions. Take the man with the accordion: consider the symbolic weight of music, its power to evoke emotion, and its recurring role in art across cultures. We see variations of this figure throughout history: from street musicians in Dutch paintings to wandering minstrels in medieval tapestries. Music, as depicted here, serves not only as entertainment but also as a carrier of communal memory and emotional expression. These figures echo archetypes found across time, engaging our collective unconscious. The act of sitting, the tilt of a head – each carries echoes of past representations. The woman with her back towards us evokes a melancholic mood, inviting introspection. These gestures connect us to a broader human experience, resurfacing across the ages.