Duinlandschap met twee sprokkelaars 1791 - 1845

Anthony Oberman created this evocative wash drawing, "Dune Landscape with Two Gleaners," in the early 19th century. The Netherlands, during Oberman's time, experienced significant social stratification, particularly between urban elites and the rural poor. This work depicts two figures gathering wood, a scene reflective of the daily struggles faced by the working class. The act of gleaning, or collecting leftover crops or resources after a harvest, was often a means of survival for impoverished families. Oberman's choice to portray this activity brings into focus the economic disparities prevalent in Dutch society. The muted tones of the drawing evoke a sense of melancholy, perhaps reflecting the harsh realities of rural life. The landscape itself, with its sparse vegetation and overcast sky, seems to mirror the hardship and resilience of the figures depicted. "Dune Landscape with Two Gleaners" is both a social commentary and a deeply personal reflection on the human condition.