Cilindervormig voorwerp, mogelijk een blik of emmer c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this sketch of a cylindrical object, possibly a can or bucket, with pencil on paper. Born in the Netherlands in 1860, Witsen belonged to a generation of artists who navigated a changing social landscape. The late 19th century was a period of industrialization and urbanization, challenging traditional ways of life. Witsen, coming from a wealthy family, engaged with artistic circles that were often critical of bourgeois values. This sketch, while seemingly simple, reflects a broader artistic interest in everyday life. It can be read as a subtle commentary on the emerging consumer culture, where mass-produced objects were becoming increasingly common. Artists like Witsen documented these shifts, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship to the modern world. By researching Witsen's biography, his connections to literary and artistic movements, and the broader social history of the Netherlands, we can gain a deeper understanding of how this drawing participates in a larger cultural conversation.