Boy Fleaing a Dog

About this work

A boy sits on a stool, carefully picking fleas off a small dog in his lap. A book and pen sit on a table beside him, and his hat rests on a wooden bench. This quiet moment feels surprisingly real—like a snapshot of daily life in the 1700s. The boy’s focus and the dog’s stillness make it feel personal, almost like you’ve walked in on a private routine. The details, like the worn furniture and simple clothes, suggest it’s not a wealthy scene, just an ordinary one. To see more scenes like this, explore the Rijksmuseum’s collection of everyday life paintings.