Drinkende man 1876

"Drinkende man" is an etching made by the Belgian artist Piet Verhaert. Consider the position of an artist in the late 19th century, when class divisions were deeply entrenched. The artwork can be interpreted through the lens of social class, exploring the representation of working-class individuals. Verhaert’s depiction of the man as a figure of both leisure and potential excess invites reflection on social mobility. The act of drinking, often associated with camaraderie, here seems isolating, suggesting a more complex narrative about identity and belonging. The man stands alone, drinking, his identity perhaps shaped as much by his social context as by his personal choices. The image prompts questions about how society perceives and represents individuals from different backgrounds, and the personal struggles they may face.