Figuren op straat 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen made this sketch of figures on a street using graphite on paper. It captures a fleeting moment of urban life. Made in the Netherlands, perhaps Amsterdam, in the late 19th or early 20th century, the drawing reflects the increasing urbanization of Dutch society and the rise of a modern, middle-class culture. Witsen was part of a group of artists who turned their attention to everyday life, capturing the energy and bustle of the city. The sketch’s loose lines and unfinished quality suggest a sense of immediacy, as if the artist were trying to capture a transient moment before it disappeared. The Rijksmuseum's acquisition of this drawing speaks to a growing interest in art that reflects the changing social landscape. The historical record, including exhibition catalogs, period reviews, and artist biographies, helps us to place the work in its original context. Only then can we appreciate its significance as a reflection of a particular moment in Dutch social and cultural history.