Voorovergebogen aardappelrooister met een mand en zak 1886

Willem Witsen made this print, "Voorovergebogen aardappelrooister met een mand en zak", which translates to "Bent over potato harvester with a basket and bag." During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and economic changes. The rural working class, including farmers and agricultural laborers, faced hardships due to industrialization and urbanization. Witsen, who came from a privileged background, often depicted scenes of everyday life, including laborers, in a sympathetic manner. The hunched figure of the potato harvester speaks to the physical demands and hardships faced by women in agricultural labor. Her posture and clothing reflect a life of toil and resilience. Witsen’s choice to focus on this subject reflects a broader artistic interest in the lives of ordinary people, who often go unnoticed, but are essential to the functioning of society. The artwork's enduring quality comes from the artist’s sensitive portrayal of labor and the dignity of the working class.