Old Man Facing Left, Wearing Glasses and Threading a Needle 1640 - 1660

Anton Crussens created this small engraving of an old man threading a needle sometime in the mid-17th century. The image, rendered in fine lines, invites us to consider the dignity of labor and the everyday lives of ordinary people. Made in the Netherlands, this image reflects the growing importance of the merchant class. Unlike earlier aristocratic art that focused on religious or mythological scenes, this piece portrays an elderly man engaged in the mundane task of sewing. The figure’s placement within a tondo or circular frame, lends a sense of intimacy and invites close inspection. His worn clothing and the simple act of mending suggest a focus on thrift and industriousness, virtues that were increasingly valued in Dutch society at the time. Understanding this artwork involves considering how the rising merchant class influenced the art market, and how artists started depicting scenes of daily life. By consulting historical records, we can gain further insights into the social values and economic conditions that shaped Crussens' art.