Twee studies voor De Molenaar 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen created these two sketches for ‘De Molenaar’ using pencil on paper. Witsen, born into an affluent family in Amsterdam, often depicted scenes of working-class life, reflecting the social consciousness of the late 19th century. Here, we see two studies of a miller, each capturing a different aspect of his labor. In one sketch, the miller stands with his arm raised, perhaps adjusting the sails of the windmill. The other shows him lying down, possibly resting or attending to the machinery at ground level. These sketches offer a glimpse into the life and labor of a miller, a figure central to Dutch society and economy. Witsen’s choice to focus on the working class reflects a broader interest in portraying diverse aspects of Dutch society. While the sketches themselves are simple, they invite us to consider the role of labor, class, and identity in shaping our understanding of the world around us.