Gezicht op de Molensteeg te Wijk bij Duurstede Possibly 1906 - 1909

Curator: At first glance, I find myself drawn to the sense of stillness and almost dreamlike quiet emanating from this sketch. What strikes you? Editor: Its directness. The marks feel incredibly immediate, almost as if we are peering over Willem Witsen’s shoulder as he captured this slice of Dutch life, the work is titled, "View of the Molensteeg in Wijk bij Duurstede", likely from sometime between 1906 and 1909, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Curator: Absolutely. The composition, with the low angle emphasizing the architecture, does give the impression of a private, perhaps privileged, glimpse into the everyday lives of the people living there, especially when considering Witsen’s familial background. I see an exploration of identity and belonging here, tied to his place within Dutch society at the turn of the century. Editor: It is also interesting to consider the materials at play. This sketch, rendered in pencil and likely pen and ink, grants a unique opportunity to examine Witsen’s process. He isn’t making a grand statement. It’s intimate and preparatory, perhaps even incomplete. I believe it humanizes art and the artistic process, and emphasizes the power of seeing these places not only from a physical and geographical perspective, but also in the emotional register that artists like Witsen were doing so much to develop. Curator: That connection between place and feeling is powerful here, I agree. And when we think about the time period, what social changes were afoot? Industrialization was booming and so was the art market. Urban life and landscape were undergoing dramatic transformation. Does Witsen’s quiet town become a subtle form of resistance? A celebration of what was being left behind in favor of an industrial capitalist future? Editor: Precisely. This image also presents how the political landscape might've looked from a personal sketchbook at this time in art. Seeing it as more of a personal documentation allows the viewers to project their own realities within the spaces portrayed. Curator: It really underscores how much context can inform how we feel about a simple street corner. Editor: Indeed, bringing to life seemingly unremarkable scenes. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Curator: Likewise! It has been a real pleasure diving into this scene together.