Werkster op een steenfabriek c. 1880 - 1890

Anthon Gerhard Alexander van Rappard sketched "Werkster op een steenfabriek" using graphite. The drawing presents a muted palette, dominated by the grey of the graphite and paper. The woman's form emerges through a play of light and shadow. The textures, built up through layered strokes, create a sense of depth and weight. The composition, primarily focused on the figure, invites contemplation on the individual amidst industry. It challenges the traditional representations of labour by focusing on a singular, intimate portrayal. This departs from grand narratives, instead emphasizing the personal and subjective experience of work. The artwork invites us to look beyond the surface, seeing labour not just as a physical activity but as a deeply human experience. By isolating the figure, Rappard compels us to consider the human element within the broader social structures of his time.