Study of a Seated Peasant 1675 - 1704

Cornelis Dusart created this drawing of a seated peasant with black and red chalk in the late 17th century. Dusart was Dutch, and he lived during a period when the Netherlands was a major economic and cultural power. This image tells us a lot about the social conditions that shape artistic production. Genre painting became very popular during this time as the Dutch middle class grew, art became more accessible to a wider audience and artists began to focus on everyday subjects, such as peasants, rather than just religious or historical scenes. This drawing, while just a study, reflects a broader interest in the lives of ordinary people. By studying the prints and drawings that were popular in the Netherlands, we can better understand the social and cultural values of the time. Art can offer a window into the past, helping us to understand how people lived and what they valued.