Arbeiter aus der _Großen Spinnerei von Edam_ c. 1894

Rudolf Gudden created this pencil sketch, titled "Workers from the Great Edam Spinning Mill." Gudden's sketch provides a glimpse into the lives of working-class individuals during the late 19th century. The image subtly emphasizes the shared labor and cooperation among workers. Their posture, with a focus on depicting their wooden shoes, highlights the workers' connections to the land and their cultural identity. Though we don't know when it was created, this work is a departure from the traditional representations of labor, which often depicted heroic or idealized figures. Instead, Gudden offers an intimate portrayal of the everyday experiences of workers, capturing their humanity and dignity amidst the harsh realities of industrial labor. This drawing serves as a poignant reminder of the collective struggles and resilience of the working class during a period of immense social and economic change.