Peasant Seated at Table Holding a Glass c. 17th century

Editor: This is "Peasant Seated at Table Holding a Glass" by Hendrik Martensz. Sorgh, a small pencil drawing. I'm struck by its simplicity and the focus on everyday life. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, I'm drawn to the depiction of labor here. The peasant’s posture, the humble materials of his clothing and drinkware... it speaks volumes about the social context of production and consumption in that era. How does Sorgh’s use of simple materials reflect his understanding of his subject? Editor: That's a great point. It makes me think about how art materials themselves can carry social meaning. Thanks for the insight!