Schetsboek met 96 bladzijden c. 1728 - 1732

This is a sketchbook with 96 pages, made by Cornelis Pronk, an artist who lived between 1691 and 1759. The sketchbook invites us to consider the artist's world and the world around him. In Pronk's time, the Dutch Republic was a major center of global trade. His career coincided with a period of economic expansion, but also increasing social stratification. As you reflect on Pronk’s drawings, think about how his personal experiences may have influenced his artistic perspective. What stories do these sketches tell about the places and people that shaped his world? The very act of sketching can be seen as a form of visual note-taking, a way of documenting and making sense of the world. What aspects of life did Pronk choose to capture in his sketches? How do these sketches reflect the values and priorities of his society? What can we learn from the everyday moments and observations recorded in this sketchbook?