Familiegroep 1811 - 1873

Pieter van Loon created this watercolor drawing, Familiegroep, in the nineteenth century. The thin washes of color indicate the artist's skillful manipulation of the medium. Note the minimal layering of pigment, how the artist makes the most of a quick, spontaneous application, with a focus on capturing the likenesses and social status of the figures. The family’s clothing reflects the industry of the period, including the mass production of textiles and garments. The man’s top hat, tailored jacket, and striped trousers speak to the rise of consumer culture, while the woman’s bonnet and simple dress suggest a different relationship to fashion and class. These sartorial choices, rendered with precision, offer a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. Paying attention to these details of making and context allows us to expand our appreciation of this drawing.