Zittende man met hoed, een stok in de hand en een mand 1788 - 1846

Jan Hendrik Verheijen made this drawing of a seated man sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century, using pen and brush in grey ink. The artwork is a study of a commoner, perhaps a traveling salesman or farmhand, rendered with an economy of means. The artist's chosen medium, grey ink, allows for subtle gradations of light and shadow, defining the figure's form and the texture of his clothing. The strokes and washes are clearly visible, which is a testament to the directness of the artist's technique. Verheijen captures not just a likeness but also a sense of the sitter's social position. His weathered features and simple garments suggest a life of labor, while the stick and basket imply travel and trade. The sketch highlights the realities of daily life for ordinary people, elevating the everyday into art. It reminds us of the importance of portraying diverse aspects of human existence.