Zittende man 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created this drawing, "Zittende man," using pen and brush in the late 18th or early 19th century. Van den Bos lived during a time of significant social upheaval in Europe, shaped by Enlightenment ideals and revolutionary fervor. In this simple composition, we see a man casually sitting in a chair. His clothing suggests a working-class status, and his relaxed posture conveys a sense of ease. The image is a window into the artist’s perception of the common person. During this period, representations of everyday life began to emerge as a subject worthy of artistic exploration. The drawing offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people. It reflects a broader cultural interest in depicting diverse social classes, a departure from the exclusive focus on aristocratic or religious subjects. How does van den Bos's work reflect an emerging democratic sensibility, where the lives of ordinary individuals gain visibility and recognition in art?