Jongen probeert te stelen van een slapende man 1825 - 1875

This undated print, titled 'Jongen probeert te stelen van een slapende man' was created by an anonymous artist. The image offers us a glimpse into the realities of the working class, where survival often depended on opportunistic acts of desperation. The artist, though unknown, captures the innocence of youth juxtaposed with the harsh conditions of poverty. A young boy is caught in the act of trying to steal from a sleeping man. A girl peers from behind a rock, either in support or as a concerned observer. This scene unfolds against the backdrop of a rugged landscape. It evokes the systemic inequalities of society and the lengths to which individuals will go in order to survive. The artist invites us to reflect on the societal structures that perpetuate such circumstances, and to consider our own roles in perpetuating or challenging them. It’s a deeply personal and emotional tableau that resonates even today.