Zaaier 1871 - 1906

Pieter de Josselin de Jong made this pencil drawing, entitled 'Zaaier', meaning 'Sower', around the turn of the 20th century in the Netherlands. It captures a figure in motion, a sower walking across a field. What does this image tell us about the social conditions of its time? The sower is depicted in simple, functional clothing and wooden shoes, suggesting a connection to rural life and the working class. During this period, the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and economic changes, with a growing divide between urban and rural populations. Images of agricultural workers, like this one, reflect a broader cultural interest in the lives of ordinary people and the value of manual labor. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of Dutch history and culture. By displaying works like 'Zaaier', the museum invites us to consider the complex social and economic forces that have shaped Dutch society. Further research into the artist's biography, archival documents, and contemporary social commentary can provide a deeper understanding of this artwork's meaning and significance.