Bordes c. 1915 - 1920

Willem Witsen made this graphite sketch, Bordes, on paper. The loose lines depicting a vague structure suggest the transient nature of modern life, but this is contrasted by mathematical notes surrounding the drawing. It was made in the Netherlands, a country undergoing rapid industrialization at the turn of the 20th century. The social and economic structures of Dutch society were shifting due to this modernization. The Dutch art world at this time was dominated by the Hague School, a group of artists who painted in a naturalistic style. Witsen, however, was part of a younger generation of artists who were interested in exploring new ways of representing the modern world. Historians look at the artist's personal writings, exhibition catalogues, and reviews to better understand their practice. By examining the socio-political context, we can develop a richer understanding of the artwork and its place in art history.