Boer aan het werk op het land 1893 - 1897

Willem Witsen's drawing, "Boer aan het werk op het land," is a study in the power of line, rendered on paper. The sparse composition immediately draws the eye to the resting farmer, lying on what appears to be the ground. The scene is constructed with minimal strokes, yet they convey a wealth of information. Vertical lines suggest a field or perhaps the furrows of ploughed earth, while the horizontal strokes define the figure of the farmer. This interplay of verticality and horizontality not only creates a sense of space but also imbues the scene with a quiet tension. The drawing invites us to consider the relationship between labor and rest, between the individual and the land. Ultimately, the drawing's strength lies in its formal simplicity. The stark lines and monochromatic palette focus our attention on the essential elements of the scene, creating a space for contemplation on the nature of work and the human condition.