Studieblad met vissers en een hond in de haven en diverse figuurstudies 1870 - 1931

Willem Bastiaan Tholen made this study sheet with pencil, depicting fishermen and a dog in a harbor, as well as various figure studies. During the late 19th century in the Netherlands, artists like Tholen increasingly focused on everyday life. They were moving away from the grand historical or mythological scenes favored by earlier generations. This sketch offers a glimpse into the working lives of fishermen, grounding the work in the reality of the Dutch coast. We see the tools of their trade, and their posture suggests a life of labor. By focusing on these common scenes, Tholen subtly elevated the status of working-class individuals. He challenged the art world's traditional hierarchy that favored aristocratic subjects. To fully appreciate Tholen’s work, examining the art market and the rise of Naturalism in the Netherlands would be essential, along with insights into the role of The Hague School in shaping artistic tastes.