Weidelandschap met huizen, bomen en een aardappelrooiende vrouw 1885 - 1931

Willem Bastiaan Tholen created this landscape drawing, featuring houses, trees, and a woman harvesting potatoes, with pencil. Tholen's landscapes offer a glimpse into the rural life of the late 19th century, a period marked by significant social and economic changes. With a focus on naturalism, Tholen often depicted the Dutch countryside and its inhabitants. Here, his portrayal of a woman working in the fields highlights the gendered division of labor and the essential role women played in agricultural communities. It captures a scene of everyday life, grounding us in the immediate, physical experience of work. The sketch stands as a testament to the lives of ordinary people, inviting us to reflect on the historical and social contexts that shaped their experiences. It serves as a reminder of the labor and lives that are often overlooked in grand historical narratives.