Gezicht op Amsterdam met schepen c. 1910 - 1915

Willem Witsen’s “Gezicht op Amsterdam met schepen” is a charcoal drawing created between 1910 and 1915, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection. The composition focuses on the bustling harbor of Amsterdam, depicting two boats in the foreground and the city skyline in the distance. Witsen, a prominent Dutch artist known for his realistic portrayals of daily life, captures the essence of Amsterdam’s working waterfront with a delicate yet expressive touch. The soft shading and subtle details of the drawing highlight the artist's keen observation and ability to capture the essence of the scene, offering a glimpse into the city’s maritime life at the turn of the 20th century.