In de residentie 1832 - 1888

Popko van Groningen made this print, titled 'In de residentie', in the Netherlands in the mid-19th century. It presents a snapshot of daily life, seemingly in a government office, with a focus on the habits and expressions of its workers. The image constructs meaning through its careful observation of character and setting. The title, 'In de residentie', suggests a location in The Hague, the political center of the Netherlands. We see figures absorbed in their tasks or habits. One man, standing, intensely lights his pipe, while another, seated at a desk, appears burdened by his work. The background figure is writing. This work offers a window into the social conditions and labor practices of the time. It invites us to consider how institutions shape individual experiences and behaviors. Historical archives and studies of Dutch society in the 19th century can provide additional context. It is through this kind of research that the meaning of art becomes clearer, not as isolated objects but as reflections of their time.