Twee aardappelrooiers langs een kade 1874

Willem Cornelis Rip made this pencil drawing of potato harvesters by a quay. The image captures a moment of labor that reflects the difficult lives of the working class. In the late 19th century, many artists focused on depicting rural life, often idealizing it, but here Rip presents a more candid view of the physical demands placed on these workers. The stooped posture of the figure harvesting potatoes speaks volumes about the realities of manual labor and its impact on the body. There's a vulnerability in his bent form, an exposure to the elements and the hard earth. Meanwhile the female figure on the right watches with her hands on her hips. The setting by the quay suggests a connection to trade and transportation, hinting at the broader economic systems that shaped these individuals' lives. The boats in the background serve as a reminder of the larger world beyond the fields, where the fruits of their labor would eventually be sold. This piece invites us to reflect on the dignity of work, the social structures that define it, and the personal stories embedded within it.