Riviergezicht bij Dordrecht c. 1898 - 1899

Willem Witsen sketched this river view near Dordrecht with graphite on paper. Witsen came from a well-to-do family and was part of a group of artists known as the Amsterdam Impressionists, who captured fleeting moments of everyday life. In this quick sketch, we see more than just a landscape. The vastness of the river and the distant horizon evoke a sense of freedom, while the subtle details of the boats and windmills hint at human presence and labor. Consider the environmental impact of the industrial revolution on landscapes like this. The sketch invites us to reflect on the relationship between nature, industry, and society. Witsen shows us a world in motion, one that’s constantly evolving, reflecting the dynamic changes of his time. It’s a reminder that even the simplest sketch can hold layers of meaning.