Twee figuren op een boot c. 1910 - 1915

Willem Witsen made this pencil drawing of two figures on a boat in the Netherlands at the turn of the 20th century. Its sketchy quality reflects the aesthetic of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which sought to capture fleeting moments of everyday life. Here we see two figures on a small boat, perhaps canal workers going about their daily tasks. The location is recognizable by the blurred outlines of a church tower and a ship. By the late 19th century, the Dutch economy was experiencing a downturn. This era saw an increase in labour movements advocating for better working conditions. The muted tones and simple composition might subtly reflect the socio-economic realities of the time. Understanding art requires us to consider the artist's background, the prevailing social conditions, and the institutions that supported artistic production. Researching Witsen's involvement in artistic circles and his social milieu can shed more light on the context of this drawing. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.