Boerderij bij avond c. 1882 - 1884

Willem Witsen created this etching, “Boerderij bij avond,” or “Farm at Night,” using drypoint. Witsen came of age in a time of great social change in the Netherlands. Rapid urbanization and industrialization brought prosperity, but also stark inequalities. As part of the artist group the Amsterdam Impressionists, Witsen turned to the countryside for subject matter in an effort to capture the quiet dignity of rural life, and perhaps, to escape the concerns of modern life. The dark and moody atmosphere of “Farm at Night” evokes a sense of loneliness, but also a sense of deep connection to the land. As we consider this image, it prompts questions about labor, land ownership, and the changing relationship between humans and nature. What does it mean to witness the life and labor of the rural poor? What does it mean to look at this image now? Ultimately, Witsen's etching is a potent reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of preserving the stories of those who often go unseen.