Compositie voor De Molenaar 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen made this pencil drawing titled 'Compositie voor De Molenaar' at an unknown date. It resides here at the Rijksmuseum. This sketch gives us insight into the social context of labour at the turn of the century. The figure, presumably a mill worker or blacksmith, is captured in a moment of work. But beyond its simple subject, this work can be seen as a reflection on the changing social structures in the Netherlands and its artistic institutions. Was Witsen challenging the traditional subjects of art by depicting a common laborer? To truly understand this drawing, we need to research the economic conditions of the Netherlands at that time. Further investigation into Witsen’s biography and the artistic circles he moved in will give more clues about his motivations.