Jonge vrouw met takkenbos c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this drawing, *Jonge vrouw met takkenbos,* using graphite pencil on paper. The monochromatic tones are achieved by layering thin strokes that build up to darker areas, giving volume to the figure of the young woman carrying firewood. The quickness of the marks gives the impression that it was sketched on-site, perhaps capturing a fleeting moment from everyday life. The marks are more pronounced on the bundle of sticks and the figure's clothing than on her face, emphasizing the weight of the wood she carries and the coarse texture of her clothing. The focus on these details highlights the labor and hard work involved in gathering and carrying firewood. Witsen's choice of a humble subject, as well as the sketch-like quality of the drawing, blurs the boundaries between fine art and everyday representation, reminding us that the value of art lies not only in its subject matter but also in the artist's ability to bring attention to the unnoticed aspects of life through skillful use of materials and techniques.