Staande man in lange jas met stok c. 1700 - 1800

This watercolor wash drawing depicts a standing man in a long coat with a walking stick. Although we do not know who made this artwork, the artist clearly worked with diluted washes of ink or paint to create the effect of light and shadow on the figure. The texture of the paper and the way the colors settle into its fibers give the figure a sense of depth and volume. By using this specific technique, the artist shows a commitment to detail and craft, while focusing on the subject’s clothing. In many ways, clothing can serve as a status symbol, conveying messages about identity, class, and social belonging. Here, the meticulous rendering of the figure's attire and the way he holds himself evokes a sense of bourgeois pride and respectability. So, by focusing on the materials, making, and social context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the artwork's layers of meaning, and the cultural values it reflects.