Plukkende jonge vrouw c. 1882 - 1884

Willem Witsen sketched this young woman plucking something, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, using graphite on paper. This drawing encapsulates a quiet moment of labor and leisure. During Witsen's time, rapid industrialization contrasted sharply with agrarian life, and he often captured scenes of daily life. This drawing offers a glimpse into the life of a working-class woman, perhaps engaged in agricultural work. Consider how Witsen’s sketch, though simple, invites a dialogue about gendered labor and the representation of women in art. Does it challenge or reinforce societal expectations of women's roles? Ultimately, this sketch reminds us of the dignity and value inherent in everyday tasks, urging us to reflect on the lives and labor of those often overlooked in grand historical narratives.