Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 9 c. 1887 - 1892

This delicate chalk drawing is by Willem Witsen, who lived from 1860 to 1923. Witsen was part of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, known for capturing everyday life and fleeting moments. Here, we see a nude model reclining, seemingly caught in a moment of repose in the studio. During this time, ideas around the female nude were evolving. Was it an object of beauty, or a representation of the female form? Witsen captures something of the sitter’s vulnerability. There's a sense of intimacy, as if we've stumbled upon a private moment. Though the gaze is not confrontational, the work still invites us to consider questions of spectatorship and the power dynamics inherent in the act of observing. Ultimately, this drawing offers a glimpse into the artistic practices of the late 19th century, while quietly prompting us to think about the complexities of representation, gender, and the human body.