Vijf mannen op een rij bij de voet van een reus 1936 - 1940

This drawing of five men was made by Henk Henriët, using graphite. The men are standing at the foot of a giant, though only a vague outline of the giant can be seen. Henriët's work is often characterized by its social commentary. This piece is no different, though we can only speculate about it’s meaning, as we don’t know when it was made. One interpretation could be that the five men represent different social classes or professions, united in their awe or perhaps fear of the giant. This would have been a commentary on the social structures of the Netherlands. The giant could be a symbol of power, authority, or perhaps even the state itself. Understanding the historical context of Henriët's life and the socio-political climate in which he worked can provide valuable insights into the layers of meaning embedded in this drawing. It would be helpful to look at other works by the artist, and at the social history of the Netherlands at the time this drawing was made.