Smid bij het vuur in een smidse in Wijk bij Duurstede c. 1908

Willem Witsen created this etching of a blacksmith at work in Wijk bij Duurstede. Witsen belonged to a group of Dutch impressionist artists, and many of his pieces illustrate the daily lives of workers. In this scene, a man shapes metal by the light of a forge, surrounded by the tools of his trade. The scene offers a glimpse into a world of labor, skill, and tradition which, like the profession of a blacksmith itself, was on the verge of disappearing due to industrialization and socio-economic changes. While the blacksmith is anonymous and his face is hidden from us, the image feels like a celebration of manual work and the dignity of labor. Ultimately, the print invites us to reflect on the value of craft, community, and the human spirit amidst inevitable change.