Landschap c. 1888 - 1891

Willem Witsen made this landscape drawing with black chalk on paper. Witsen was born into a wealthy, privileged family in Amsterdam. These advantages allowed him to dedicate himself to his art. He was part of a group of artists called the Amsterdam Impressionists. His privileged background allowed him to choose the subjects he depicted. Like many artists of his time, he traveled to the countryside in search of authenticity. Witsen's landscapes capture the quiet and often melancholic beauty of the Dutch countryside. His choice of subject and style reflects a yearning for a simpler, more natural existence. Yet, it is important to remember that the same rural landscapes Witsen celebrated were also places of labor and hardship for others. By focusing on aesthetics, Witsen's work glosses over other aspects of rural life. "Landschap" encourages us to consider who gets to define beauty and whose stories are told and left untold.