Wagen in Duitsland voor vervoer van bagage en passagiers 1720 - 1792

This quick pencil sketch of a wagon was made by Aert Schouman, sometime in the 18th century. Its apparent simplicity belies a deeper story about materials and labor. Look closely and you'll see a meticulously rendered mode of transport. Though it’s only a drawing, you can still imagine the wagon's original form. It would have been made from wood: planks for the frame, precisely carved spokes for the wheels. Think of the physical effort required to fell the trees, mill the timber, and assemble the wagon. The sketch itself is economical, yet precise. Schouman clearly understood the mechanics of the wagon, the way it was constructed. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about representing a crucial element of the 18th century economy. Wagons like these were essential for trade and travel. This drawing reminds us that even simple sketches can reveal a lot about the world of materials, making, and the labor that underpins it all.