Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 19 c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this chalk drawing, “Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 19” some time around the turn of the 20th century. Rendered in a spare, almost abstracted style, it presents a view of an intimate interior, perhaps a bedroom, with a figure reclining on a bed. Made in the Netherlands during a period of significant social and artistic transition, Witsen was part of a generation grappling with questions of modernity and tradition. His art reflects this tension, often depicting quiet, introspective scenes that offer a glimpse into the private lives of the Dutch bourgeoisie. The institutional history of Dutch art at the time, particularly the influence of the Hague School and the rise of Impressionism, provide a crucial context for understanding Witsen's artistic choices. The drawing invites us to consider the shifting social norms around privacy, leisure, and domesticity, as well as the changing role of art in reflecting and shaping these norms. To truly appreciate Witsen's work, we might delve into archives of letters and diaries from the period. It is through these social records that we can begin to grasp the full depth of its cultural resonance.