Boekenkraam op een markt omgeven door acht scènes met lezende figuren c. 1860 - 1862

Curator: This engaging pencil and watercolor drawing by Charles Rochussen, titled "Boekenkraam op een markt omgeven door acht scènes met lezende figuren," dates from around 1860 to 1862. Editor: It has an almost playful quality, doesn’t it? Like a collection of vignettes capturing stolen moments, all framed around that central market stall. Curator: Indeed. Rochussen was known for his keen observations of daily life. This drawing gives us insight into the importance of literacy and reading in mid-19th century Dutch society. We can see people of various social classes all absorbed in books. Editor: It's interesting to note how he's arranged the composition, though. The drawing is a pencil and possibly watercolour wash on paper, so Rochussen’s labour can be immediately inferred when assessing the quality of lines, textures and shading involved in production. There’s real value conferred by this visible process here. And beyond mere aesthetic appreciation lies considerations about wider readership for art like his, it’s quite clearly not simply high art. Curator: Exactly. It speaks to a growing accessibility of literature and a democratizing effect of printed materials. This kind of illustration would find its way into popular magazines and books, further spreading those scenes of literacy. Look how the different classes have books, soldiers, ladies, labourers...all readers! Editor: Though, looking closely, one can see how some readers seem a bit more leisurely while others are working at it, there in the dressmakers room; there must be something implicit about accessibility too, considering material difference of availability? Are all readers equally served at his time, perhaps? Curator: That is precisely the social complexity he captures, doesn't he? From different perspectives. The physical bookshop here may act less like a stage prop here then; instead suggesting complex relationships where social context determine not just their presence at all – even who the “storyteller” here really happens be through his very medium! Editor: It’s like Rochussen understood even then that making this illustration and bringing these intimate details forward also helps us think through it collectively... So I'm taking back playful earlier though. He makes me contemplate labour again though - perhaps something more akin 'meditative realism'... Very nice!