Schaapherder die op een staf leunt c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this drawing of a Shepherd Leaning on a Staff with graphite on paper sometime between 1870 and 1923. It's currently held in the Rijksmuseum. This drawing encapsulates the tension of the era, as it was made during a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the Netherlands, leading to a nostalgic longing for the perceived simplicity of rural life. Witsen, along with other artists and intellectuals, were part of a broader cultural movement known as the Dutch Revival, which sought to re-establish a sense of national identity rooted in the country's history and landscape. In its formal qualities, the drawing uses rough lines and an unfinished quality that create a sense of authenticity, aligning with the values of simplicity. Understanding this drawing involves exploring Dutch social history, literature, and the art market of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Rijksmuseum's archives offer resources for deeper exploration. The meaning of this drawing lies not just in its aesthetic qualities, but also in the cultural and historical context of its creation.