Figuren aan de waterkant van een rivier c. 1825 - 1829

This sketch titled "Figures on the Waterfront of a River," was created by Andreas Schelfhout. Schelfhout lived through monumental shifts in Dutch society as the Netherlands transformed from an aristocratic republic to a constitutional monarchy. In this delicate ink drawing, Schelfhout invites us to observe a tranquil scene along a riverbank, possibly capturing a moment of leisure or daily life. The figures, though small, are central; who are these people? Do they have names or stories beyond what is visible here? Schelfhout, as a white, European male artist, was undoubtedly shaped by the social norms of his time. This work invites a closer look, asking us to consider the roles of individuals in shaping the narrative of their communities. How does Schelfhout reflect or challenge the conventions of his era?