Figuren aan het werk, mogelijk op een bouwterrein 1881 - 1883

This sketch, by George Hendrik Breitner, captures figures at work, likely on a construction site. Notice the recurring motif of scaffolding, a framework that bears a striking resemblance to historical depictions of ladders, such as Jacob’s Ladder in biblical art. This symbol of ascent, found in numerous cultural traditions, speaks to humanity's enduring aspiration for progress. From the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia to the towers of modernity, we see mankind forever building, striving, and reaching upwards. The ladder or scaffolding evokes a sense of ambition and labor. It taps into a collective memory of relentless human activity, recalling the Tower of Babel, representing both our aspirations and the potential pitfalls of ambition. The psychological weight of this image lies in its ability to evoke a deep-seated sense of purpose, mingled with the recognition of our unending labor, alluding to the cyclical nature of construction, destruction, and renewal. The motif appears across time, reflecting our aspirations and inevitable struggles.