Boer aan het werk op het land c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this sketch, "Boer aan het werk op het land," which translates to "Farmer Working the Land," with a pencil, at an unknown date. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Netherlands underwent significant social and economic changes. Industrialization and urbanization led to shifts in rural life, prompting artists to depict the lives of farmers. This sketch might be read as a commentary on the dignity of labor and the connection to the land. It also reflects a broader cultural interest in representing the working class, while navigating the complexities of rural identity in a rapidly changing world. The emotional weight of this piece lies in its simplicity, inviting us to reflect on the historical and cultural contexts of labor, land, and identity. This work prompts questions about the representation of rural life and the value we place on different forms of labor.