Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 21 c. 1887 - 1888

Willem Witsen created this transfer of a chalk drawing, titled 'Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 21', sometime before his death in 1923. Witsen, born into a wealthy family, had the privilege of dedicating his life to art, moving against the grain of societal expectations tied to class and gender. His work provides a glimpse into the intimate, emotional spaces of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As we look at the delicate transfer, we might consider the labor involved in producing such a piece, the subtle gradations of tone achieved through the chalk, and the artist’s hand in mediating the image. Witsen’s choice of subject matter and his delicate technique reflect a sensitivity often associated with the feminine sphere, challenging the rigid gender roles of his time. What does it mean for a man from a privileged background to engage with such quiet, introspective scenes? This artwork invites us to contemplate the complexities of identity and representation in a rapidly changing world.